Chapter 6: The Accident News
It was early morning at the local coffee shop. Lilia chatted gently with her friends Rosa and Miguel as they prepared drinks behind the counter. Miguel was making jokes as usual, trying to get a rise out of the serious Rosa.
A customer interrupted, calling to Lilia "Turn up the TV, they're reporting on that accident from last night!". Her smile faded as she grabbed the remote.
The others fell silent, following her gaze to the small television in the corner.
"...a single vehicle collision on Cliff Road outside of town," the reporter was saying. "Emergency crews spent hours recovering the wreckage from the treacherous descent down the embankment."
Gasps rose around the shop as photos appeared of a mangled car nestled among jagged rocks. "Any witnesses or information are asked to contact the police. The driver's condition and identity are unknown at this time."
"Poor soul," an old woman whispered to her friend. Two construction workers shook their heads grimly. "That stretch is deadly, I've been saying they need guardrails for years."
Rosa crossed herself, praying for the injured. Miguel's smile was gone, uncharacteristically somber.
Lilia looked troubled, wiping the same spot over and over. "I hope they're alright," she said softly. But all feared the accident was a tragic end to someone's night.
The reporter continued, "Police have just arrived on scene. It appears to be a single vehicle that went over the cliffside near the sharp turn on Cliff Road."
At the accident site, police were cordoning off the area as additional emergency vehicles arrived. A swarm of media and onlookers crowded around, trying to see what was happening down the steep embankment.
"Back it up, this is an active rescue scene," shouted an officer over the din. "Keep the path clear for emergency crews."
Below, firefighters and paramedics assessed the mangled Ferrari wedged in the rocks. "Looks like it rolled multiple times on the way down," said one medic.
The rescue leader radioed up, "Vehicle is heavily damaged but we can't see inside yet. Bringing in the winch and cutting gear to extract it carefully."
As they attached cables, news vans pulled up and reporters pressed against the police line. "Do you have a statement on the victim's condition yet?" one called out.
The lead officer sighed. "No information until our crews can access the vehicle. Now please step back so they can do their job safely."
While rescue efforts continued at the cliff crash site, police had cordoned off another area on the road above. The mangled wreckage of a large truck lay on its side on the shoulder.
"The driver was extracted and en route to the hospital already in critical condition," a police officer told the growing crowd of press.
"Can you provide any more details on the cause of this accident?" a reporter asked, shoving a mic forward.
The officer sighed. "Early signs suggest this truck may have crossed over onto the wrong side of the road, colliding head-on with the Ferrari. But we'll need to interview all involved to confirm."
"Do you think the truck driver could be at fault?" another journalist pressed. Murmurs rose among the assembled media.
"It's too early to assign blame," the officer cautioned. "Let's focus on the recovery efforts and victims first before speculating."
But the original reporter persisted, "If he survives, could charges be pending against the trucker?"
Annoyance flashed across the officer's face. "Right now that driver is fighting for his life. I suggest showing some compassion instead of demanding answers we don't have yet."
The tense crowd waited for more clues into the dark night's tragic events unfolding along this perilous coastal road. Marie was dusting the parlor when a news alert on the television caught her eye. She stopped, frozen, as reports of a terrible crash emerged.
Photos of a mangled red car flashed on screen. Though they hadn't named the driver yet, Marie's breath caught in her chest. A feeling of dread crept over her as she remembered Ryan storming out last night.
Her hands began to tremble, nearly dropping the duster. She gazed unseeing at the crashing surf depicted behind the solemn-faced reporter. Memories of Ryan's smiling face as a boy made her eyes well with tears.
Snapping out of her stupor, Marie hastily called for the news to be paused. Her hands fluttered, unsure what to do first. At last she threw down her cleaning supplies and hurried to the intercom with fumbling fingers.
"Mr. Callahan, please come at once! I've seen something dreadful on the telly," she cried into the speaker, voice breaking. Wiping her cheeks, Marie paced anxiously awaiting his arrival.
When at last Mark came into view, she rushed over with quaking limbs. "Sir, oh Sir! There's been an accident, down by the coast they said. A red car, all smashed to pieces—"
Marie dissolved into tears, wringing her apron. Through her tears she saw Mr. Callahan go deathly pale at her words, comprehending the terrible possibility at once. Mr. Callahan stood frozen, the color draining from his face. As Marie's words sank in, a wave of nausea swept over him.
"A red car..." he repeated faintly. Images of their fight came crashing back - him yelling at Ryan in a rage, his son storming out with tears in his eyes.
If only he hadn't lost his temper. If only he'd gone after Ryan to apologize. Now the implication of Marie's news twisted his insides with guilt.
Sir, are you alright?" Marie asked hesitantly, noticing his stricken look. But he didn't seem to hear her.
Mr. Callahan's legs felt weak. He stumbled to the couch and collapsed, grasping his head in his hands. "Oh god, what have I done?" he murmured brokenly.
If it was Ryan in that wreck, it would be all his fault. The last words he'd said to his boy were cruel ones, spoken in anger. And now he may never get the chance to take them back.
Mr. Callahan took a shuddering breath, trying to collect himself. Panic would do no good - he needed to act.
"Marie," he said, his voice unsteady but firm. She jumped at his address. "Have the car brought round immediately. I must get to the crash site at once."
"Right away sir," Marie nodded, hurrying off.
Mr. Callahan stood on shaking legs, steadying himself against the couch. Flashes of Ryan as a little boy assaulted his mind. He couldn't, wouldn't accept the terrible possibility until he knew for certain.