"A little loud" was, of course, an understatement of century proportions. Valentina was a novice driver at best, and was entirely distracted by the cacophony of shooting and the overwhelming sense she could be shot anytime. She huddled closer to the wheel as if those extra few inches off the top would save her.

Shifting gears became an arcane art, something she was unskilled in already, and if they lived through this, Nicholas would probably murder her for mishandling the car. She focused on maintaining speed and didn't make any sudden turns as to maintain the gun's line of sight. When the car took fire, she gassed it more--then had to switch gears again, which wasn't particularly smooth.

The next burst was the decisive one. A quick glance over her shoulder was enough to see the other car go astray, and verify Nicholas's state. After this, she took a turn much too tightly and the corners of her lips drew back in an eeeergh face the whole time.

Tunnel vision had left her with no idea where they were. As they came onto another intersection, she slowed down hard and downshifted with some kindness to the car for once. Her dark eyes searched for signs. She had visited Philly enough times to have a vague sense of direction. She would have to kill a bit of time and get some distance from where they'd been, but she'd get them to the vet clinic.