Christina soon fell asleep in her mother’s arms and Frank could see that Alice was dropping off. Jack was sitting in his car seat, looking out the window and chewing on a big pretzel.

Frank had been in worse storms in the USSR but not in heavy, fast-moving traffic. Four-wheel drive doesn’t help you stop. He kept moving with traffic but focused on keeping 50 yards between the wagon and the trailer truck in front of him. Some cars were flying by even though the snowfall and winds were picking up, and traffic news was full of warnings not to drive unless absolutely necessary. The farther south they went the worse the storm became. He could feel the gusting winds rocking the wagon’s body. The wipers front and back were keeping up, but he had switched both defrosters on to prevent a buildup of ice.

They passed several accidents. Some of them with the emergency vehicles were blocking a lane of traffic. The frantic lane changes of some drivers and the increasing fury of the storm convinced Frank to pull off at the next exit and wait until the worst of the storm passed even though they were still 100 miles from Pittsburgh. The banks would be closed by now anyway and might be slow in opening tomorrow, he thought. We will need to be well rested for tomorrow.

The storm kept getting worse. Frank saw cars pulling off the turnpike onto the shoulder. He reached across the front seat and gently shook Alice’s shoulder. She was immediately alert and looking around. Frank said, “Just need your help. I’m looking for an exit off the turnpike. It’s too dangerous to continue driving in this storm. The traffic is getting heavier and the storm is getting worse. Here’s where we are on the map. Look for an exit that looks like it may lead to a cluster of motels and fast food restaurants. We’ll check in, get a good night’s sleep, and be ready to get back on the turnpike in the morning if the storm has passed.”

Alice studied the map. “Five miles ahead there is an exit that leads to a string of small towns, Beaver Falls, Elwood City, and a town with an Indian name spelled A-L-I–Q-U-I–P-P-A.”

Frank laughed. “Your Polish tongue isn’t up to Indian names. That’s pronounced ALI-QUIP-PAH. Help me find the exit. It’s hard to read through all the falling and blowing snow.” Ten minutes later Alice said, “Slow down. Signs ahead. This should be our exit.”

“Okay. Hang on in case we slide a bit. I’m following the guardrails. Can’t make out anything else.”

Up ahead, Frank saw a cluster of neon lights and, using them as a guide, pulled into a small strip mall with a motel at either end. He picked the one that looked the best and pulled into the parking lot half-full of snow and ice-encrusted cars.

Frank walked through calf-high snow to get to the office. He took a two-bedroom unit and paid cash in advance. Alice was glad to get inside with the children. “Traveling in style. Imagine rooms with a bath. I’m going to get the kids bathed and in bed as soon as they have been fed. That means you’ll have to go out and bring in something. You know Jack loves cheeseburgers, and I need something to get some energy. I’m really tired. A bottle of beer would be good also. Check on a place to have breakfast tomorrow. If we’re going to get an early start on our bank robbing career, I’ll need breakfast and coffee to go. You’re the provider. Go do your thing.”

“On my way. I hope you didn’t overlook the purpose of the second bedroom.”

“Don’t worry. I always have energy for loving a good law-abiding provider.”

“If you’re a good girl, you can select a diamond from my diamond supply.”

“A handful would be better.”

“Typical Polish girl. You can have a handful after we do the Mellon Bank.”