Miracle on Highway 34

Well, it's Christmas Eve and another year

has almost gone by, reminding me of how old I'm getting.

But in other news, it looks like there's a snow storm

heading off the mountains along the front range.

So, if you're in the unfortunate position

of having be driving around the mountains on Christmas Eve,

might I suggest you do the exact opposite of that

and get somewhere safe and warm,

unlike this office, which is safe,

except when Cheryl's around, but it is definitely not warm.

How are we doing?

Good.

Tired, excited, hungry.

All the things, huh?

Yeah, all the things.

Sounds like you.

How are you doing?

I'm good, pretty much the same.

I am excited, a little nervous, I guess.

Yeah, I haven't been home in a long time, but it's time.

You still think I'll like it?

I know you'll love it.

Tell me about it again, Jonathan.

Maia, it's beautiful.

The house stands at the end of the street,

surrounded by quiet trees.

Out the back window is a view of the mountains.

There's a big red door, which you'll love.

And has rooms enough for you, me and.

Him.

Yeah.

The future is bright unlike these roads

where I can see nothing.

You know, if you need to stop and rest, just let me know.

I'm okay, I kinda wanna make some good time

and keep on going.

Okay.

But we will stop maybe like an hour or two,

get something to eat stretch our legs.

Sound good?

- Yeah. - Okay.

Can I get you anything else?

No, thanks Liz.

All right.

So any big plans for tomorrow?

Well, they have me working until six

at which point it will be me in a TV celebrating together.

It's a tradition.

Well, Merry Christmas.

Hey, listen, there's a fresh slice of pie in here for you

for tomorrow on the house.

Thank you, Liz.

Yeah, (LAUGHING).

I'll see you next year.

Take it easy.

Hey.

Sorry, I didn't see you there.

That's quite all right, it's a nice song.

How many?

Right this way.

Can I get you something to drink?

You got any scotch?

Afraid we're all out.

All right, then I'll just have coffee then.

Coming right up.

There you go and here's your menu.

Any cream or sugar?

Oh, no, straight up, thanks.

You're funny.

It's very festive in here.

Oh, you know, we try.

It's very nice.

Thank you.

Hey, just let me know when you're ready to order.

Okay, will do.

No, you can't use Valgrum on Reacher

Why can't the squad figure this out?

Come on Phase master.

Just you tonight, huh?

Yeah.

So how'd you get stuck here on Christmas Eve,

don't you have somewhere to be?

Not really, I need the money.

Ah, I hear you on that.

Besides my mom's with her new boyfriend,

who's kind of a jerk so.

Ah, well, glad I won't be here alone.

You're a good company.

You bet ya, Liz.

I'll keep you safe if any bad guys come in.

I feel safe already.

Yeah.

Hey, boss.

Oh, hey, Liz.

Merry Christmas.

Same to you, thanks.

Listen, it's pretty quiet out there.

I don't think it's gonna pick up any time soon.

Why don't you go home, enjoy your holiday?

That's really sweet, Liz,

but I got a lot of work to catch up on.

The new year's creeping up.

Okay.

Let me know if you need anything.

Will do, thanks, Liz, you're the best.

Sheila, you doing okay?

Yeah, yeah.

Ah, that's for me, all right.

Hey, you're awake.

Hey, yourself.

Get any sleep?

A little bit, yeah.

Good, you have any crazy dreams?

Yeah.

I had a dream that we were in our little house,

happy and warm.

I'm so sorry.

As soon as I get my last paycheck I will fix this heater.

It's a top of my list, I promise.

How are you holding up?

Wonderfully.

You scared at all?

Absolutely, absolutely.

But don't worry, we've got this.

I have yours too.

Hey there, how many?

Just me.

Thanks.

There you go.

How's that coffee?

Best cup I ever had.

You know you're not supposed to lie on Christmas.

You got me, second best then.

Okay, okay.

So, did you decide if you want anything to eat?

I'll just have some scrambled eggs and some toast.

Hmm, I mean, I know it's the holiday and all,

but let's not go too crazy.

I think I've used up all my crazy for this life.

All right, scrambled eggs and toast it is.

Could you make it wheat, please?

Gotcha.

- Hey, Nick. - Yeah?

Can I get two scrambled eggs

and a side of wheat toast, please?

On it.

And what are you having?

Is your salmon fresh?

Fresh out the freezer.

I guess I'll have the rib eye.

Medium and mashed potatoes, no gravy.

You got it.

Nice watch you got there.

Oh, thanks, it's a present from the boss

for working on Christmas.

Wish I had a boss like that.

One of the perks, I guess.

Where you from?

New York.

Oh yeah, what do you do?

I sell pharmaceuticals.

You like it?

It pays the bills.

Never a shortage of sick people, huh?

Even ones in the middle of nowhere.

Life on the road can be hard, you know.

What do you do?

Trucker, 13 years now.

Wow.

I keep telling myself I'd stop for the last 12,

but here I am.

Why don't you stop?

It's what I know.

It's a grind, but it's familiar.

And sometimes the familiar life that we hate,

feels safer than the unfamiliar life

that we dream of, you know.

Never thought of it that way.

We all get used to traveling down the same roads,

well, for me quite literally.

But to turn on to new one is scary.