Before Jioni even asked about the ID cards, LaMesha was gone. A sinking feeling crept in, but she ignored it. For defense, Jioni picked up the stop sign and headed towards Hippie Girl’s van. It required both hands to hold it, which made her realize how heavy it was. For two blocks, she dragged it, and it screeched against the asphalt. She swallowed excessively—and feared the attention she created. Jioni dropped the stop sign and continued forward. Walked, she walked faster, and then ran to her destination.
