Egon leaned forward toward the car stereo, pressed a button, and spoke as if addressing a hidden microphone.
"Emergency protocol 001, destination: hotel." A crisp voice replied instantly over the speakers: "Acknowledged; route calculated.
Audio instructions activated." The Jeep lurched violently as Stefanie drove over potholes.
My limbs felt heavy as lead; the warmth from the poisoned stew had given way to an icy numbness creeping up my arms.

The coin necklace burned against my skin like a brand. Egon’s hand gripped my shoulder—firm and urgent.
"Stay awake, Sarah. Focus on my voice." But darkness was encroaching on the edges of my vision.
My eyelids closed against my will. The last thing I saw was the coin in my hand.
The last thing I heard was Stefanie’s panicked gasp as my head slumped back
and my consciousness slipped away into the black void.

End of chapter.