the potholes yawn deeper. the asphalt ends. gravel deteriorates to dirt.
a wooden barrier with reflective stripes looms suddenly ahead.
della turns to see headlights in the distance on the road behind, pointing upwards.
the light illuminates the small cabin of an earth moving truck. the cabin glows like a box in the darkness. there's a figure inside: it's chuckie. he's inspecting a powerful construction flashlight. he switches settings from broad light to concentrated beam. he points the beam through the broken glass window onto tomas, who's standing on a truck tyre knocking out the rest of the glass with his elbow. chuckie leaps down through the broken window, pleased with his find.
she passes the plymouth on her way. sees its wheels lodged deep in the mud. keeps going.