Chapter 32

Steve turned in time to see a black SUV appear to back rapidly down the incline, cross the highway and strike the guardrail with considerable force. The vehicle slowed down noticeably but still disappeared over the edge and out of sight. Everyone knew that the river was some eight feet below the protective railings and the car had to have gone into it.

The river made a wide bend at the point where the car entered. The area was known as Jones Eddy. The current was slow on the curve, and many a fisherman had caught their limit from that river bank.

Amber Stahl had managed to get her camera man a good position to film the rally. She was going to be reporting live from the scene and was excited about the opportunity. They were just setting up when Amber heard the scream and saw the crowd turn.

She watched in horror as the car hit the barrier, then crashed through it and dropped into the cold waters of Emerson River. Years later, people would still recall the icy chil