Jerry woke up early in his bunk

Mary was still asleep in his arms

She just saved my life he said to himself 

I owe her big time

Mary woke up and smiled

What can I do for you asked Jerry

Just hold me a while longer she whispered

I feel safe in your arms

Mary rode alongside Jerry for thousands of miles

They became inseparable

He enjoyed every moment of the long driving days

They kept each other warm on those long cold nights

Mary was curious Why Jerry used a broker

Its a lot of work for me to find jobs he explained

The broker does it all for me

Most independent truckers rely on brokers

Mary asked Jerry for his laptop

I need to fully understand this business she declared

There must be a way to avoid having that broker

He is taking a big commission on every load you haul 

After months of studying Mary announced her idea

We should connect the freight companies to all the drivers

Let the software do the work of the brokers

It will be like Uber for truckers

Great idea said Jerry but how can we make it happen

I know a software developer said Mary

Lets meet with him and pitch our idea

Tell your broker to find a load bound for California

A few weeks later they met Bill in San Fransisco

He liked the idea and ran some numbers

They set up a joint venture 

Raising capital by crowdfunding

Ten years later they were having breakfast in their dream home

Mary spent a few hours a day running their business on line

Jerry now only drove two short trips each day 

Taking their kids to school and back

Jerry had just escaped a certain execution

But now he was standing in front of a gun again

Mary unloaded the weapon and put the bullets in her pocket

Lets go sit in the truck and talk she said

Jerry cautiously followed her

She handed him the gun saying she had no intention of using it

Jerry was confused he demanded to know what was going on

Do you know that guy you just killed 

Mary took a deep breath

I never saw him before today

He pulled me out of the truck and said he was taking it

I told him I was not letting that happen

I blacked out when he hit me

When I woke up he was marching you off at gunpoint

So I grabbed the wrench and snuck up behind him

He was just about to shoot you when I struck him

Jerry asked her why she did not want the cops to come

Just think about it said Mary

Do you think they will believe our story

We could both end up in jail for the rest of our lives

Look around, its almost dark and this place is deserted

Nobody witnessed what just happened

If they had the cops would be here by now

Does that waitress in the diner know you

I have never been here before said Jerry

I paid in cash so there is no credit card record

She must have left straight after I gave her that tip

The place is in darkness now

No sign of any security cameras in this parking lot added Mary

We should just leave and get far away 

Jerry reluctantly agreed and went to fire up the engine

Wait said Mary we need to hide the body first

Jerry struggled with the big brute

It was like hitting a brick wall

He pushed Jerry to the ground

Mary was lying nearby like a crumpled rag doll

Jerry saw the man pull out a gun

He was big stocky and bald

His evil grin displayed his missing teeth

Long scars across his face

Tell me what load you are hauling he hissed

Farming equipment said Jerry

The brute smiled and showed more missing teeth

That will be easy to sell on 

You gonna die soon

Then I will tie up your woman and put her in the truck

We gonna have fun when she wakes up

Before she joins you in hell

Get up and walk away from the truck

I dont want your brains all over the side of it

He pushed Jerry to the far end of the deserted parking lot

Jerry could not believe his life was about to end

Now kneel down with your hands behind your back

Jerry felt the gun barrel pressing against his head

His whole life flashed before him

It seemed like an eternity before he heard a loud thud

I think he is dead said Mary

Jerry turned round to see the brute on the floor

Blood was gushing from his crushed skull

Mary was holding a long pipe wrench

She held the wrench high while Jerry checked for a pulse

Oh he is certainly dead confirmed Jerry

We have to call the cops now he added

Mary picked up the gun and said that aint happening

There was a long silence after Mary announced she was a killer

Jerry decided it was best to change the subject

I aways stop at this great diner he announced

After parking he walked slightly behind Mary

She ate like person who was truly starving

Mary sliced her steak into small bites

Jerry tried not to look at the knife in her hand

Any thoughts where you will stay this evening he asked

You can leave me here said Mary

I know you are uncomfortable so its best if we part now

Jerry pointed to the help wanted sign

Hey look maybe you can get work here 

He paid the check and wished her well

She was talking to the manager as he left

No more riders he said to himself 

Even the innocent looking ones can be crazy

He drove a couple more hours to the rest stop

Setting up his bunk

Checking the doors were locked three times

It took him a while to fall asleep

He started driving early the next day

Even while listening to books on tape

His mind kept drifting back to Mary 

Wondering what she was doing now

He pulled into the freight yard to drop his load

There was another load waiting for him to pick up

Soon he would be heading back east again

When it started to rain he thought about Mary again

It was still raining at the truck stop

Getting fuel before dashing inside for a coffee

He ran through the rain back to his truck 

Mary was sitting in the passenger seat smiling