The car was unlocked. Barlow hopped in, fired up the engine, and took off.

“Hey, that's my car!"

A crew member's voice trailed after him. Thinking on his feet, Barlow tossed a business card out the window to the astonished staff member and floored the accelerator, vanishing down the road.

Navigating the twists and turns, Barlow finally merged onto the main road.

He pulled out his phone again to check for a signal.

This time, the bars appeared.

Wasting no time, he dialed Karina's number.

It rang but went unanswered.

“Karina, pick up!"

His eyes filled with worry, Barlow let out a muttered curse.

He tried a few more times and finally, success.

“Hello?”

It was Karina's voice on the other end, and a wave of relief washed over Barlow.

"Karina, where are you?" he asked.

“Why do you need to know? I'm working, not exactly on the clock for personal calls," she snapped back.

Her voice sounded okay, which eased Barlow's mind. He chose to overlook her prickly tone.

“Look, just tell me where you are. I need to talk to you."

“What's going on? I'm at a restaurant in South Bay Town."

“Which restaurant?"

“It's called Leeway Restaurant. Why, what's this all about?"

Taking a breath, Barlow pressed, “Have you had any wine?"

“Just a Little," she answered.