8 True Scary Trucker Horror Stories | VOLUME 2

my name is Victor Langston and this happened to me on September 14th 1994 I was a truck driver back then running long Halls between Phoenix and Portland I loved the Solitude of the open road the hum of the engine and the feel of the asphalt under my wheels but this particular trip is one I'll never forget not because of the journey but because of what happened at the rest stop near Twin Falls Idaho I'd been on the road for about 12 hours and my eyes felt like sandpaper the coffee wasn't doing much anymore so I

decided to pull over for a quick nap there's a rest area about 15 Mi outside Twin Falls not much more than a couple of vending machines in a restroom but it's quiet and usually empty at night perfect for a few hours of shuty I parked my rig and climbed into the sleeper cab I didn't even bother to set an alarm I figured my body would wake me when it had enough as it always did I drifted off almost immediately the sounds of the highway Fading Into the background I woke up to a strange sound it

was subtle at first almost like a whisper but it grew louder more insistent it took a moment to realize realiz it was someone trying the door handle on my cab my first thought was that it was another driver needing help but the insistence of the rattling set off alarm Bells no one in their right mind would try to open a stranger's truck in the middle of the night I reached under my pillow for the baseball bat I always kept there I didn't own a gun never saw the need for one but a solid piece of

wood could do plenty of damage if necessary I stayed still listening the rattling stopped stopped and I heard footsteps moving away from the cab I peaked through the curtains and saw a shadowy figure heading toward the restroom I couldn't make out any details but something about the way they moved made my skin crawl I debated whether to confront the person or just drive off curiosity got the better of me I slipped out of the truck bat in hand and crept toward the restrooms the night was eerily silent save for the distant hum of traffic I

reached the building and pressed my back against the wall straining to hear any sound from inside a soft thud like something heavy hitting the floor reached my ears then silence I took a deep breath tightened my grip on the bat and stepped inside the restroom was dimly lit the flickering fluorescent light casting unsettling Shadows there were three stalls all closed I bent down to look for feet under the doors but saw nothing I pushed open the first stall door empty the second stall was the same as I reached for the third door I heard a

faint rustling behind me I spun around bat raised but there was no one there just the dimly lit room and the hum of the flickering light I turned back to the third stall and pushed it open it was empty too I felt a mix of relief and confusion maybe I'd imagined the whole thing the long hours on the road can mess with your mind as I turned to leave something caught my eye in the mirror above the sinks a dark shape standing just outside the restroom door my heart skipped a beat I whipped around but

the doorway was empty I was starting to think I was losing it I backed out of the restroom my eyes darting around the empty parking lot there was no sign of the person who had tried my door I hurried back to my truck jumped in and locked the doors my pulse was racing but I told myself it was just some Drifter maybe looking for a place to sleep or something to steal still I didn't feel safe I decided to drive to the next town where I knew there'd be a truck stop with other drivers around

safety and numbers and all that I pulled out of the rest area my eyes scanning the dark Highway for any sign of movement I was about 5 miles down the road when I saw headlights in my mirrors a car was following me its beams too bright in the dark I sped up but the car matched my speed my Palms were slick on the steering wheel I didn't want to believe it but it felt like the driver was after me I decided to test it I slowed down to let the car pass but it stayed behind

me then I sped up again and it did the same my heart was pounding this was no coincidence the truck stop was still a few miles away and I wasn't sure if I'd make it before the car tried something then I saw a turnoff for a small Road leading into the hills I didn't know where it went but I figured a big rig like mine could handle it better than a car I took the turn without signaling my tires squealing on the asphalt the car followed but I could see its headlights bouncing in the rear

view mirror as it struggled on the rougher Road I pushed my truck harder navigating the twists and turns as best I could after about 10 minutes the headlights disappeared I didn't slow down though I kept going until I saw a clearing where I could pull over and turn off my lights I sat there in the dark listening waiting for the sound of an engine but there was nothing just the night and the distant sound of crickets I Waited For What felt like an eternity before I dared to start the engine again I needed to get

back to the highway find that truck stop and be around other people I carefully made my way back to the main road constantly checking my mirrors for any sign of those headlights when I finally pulled into the truck stop it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders I parked among the other Rigs and headed inside to get a cup of coffee and calm my nerves the place was brightly lit the hum of conversation and clatter of dishes a comforting contrast to The Silence of the night outside I didn't sleep much that night I kept

thinking about the person at the rest stop and the car that followed me who were they what did they want I never got any answers but I knew I wasn't imagining things the next day I called my buddy Jack another trucker who ran the same routes we'd been friends for years and I knew I could trust him I told him what happened expecting him to laugh it off or say I was overreacting but he didn't Vic he said his voice serious I've heard stories about that stretch of road drivers disappearing strange people at rest stops

no one knows for sure what's going on but you're not the first to have something like this happen that sent a chill down my spine Jack wasn't one to buy into ghost stories or urban legends if he was taking it seriously then I knew I wasn't crazy I finished my delivery in Portland without any more incidents but I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched every rest stop every lonely stretch of road I found myself looking over my shoulder waiting for something to happen a few weeks later I was back in Twin Falls on another

run I decided to stop at the same rest area partly out of curiosity partly to see if I could get some closure it was daytime this time and there were a few other trucks parked there I felt a bit safer I walked to the restroom my bat left behind in the cab but my nerves on edge the place looked the same but it felt different in the daylight less Sinister more mundane I pushed open the third stall door again half expecting to find something but it was empty as I was about to leave an older

trucker walked in he nodded at me and went about his business I hesitated then decided to ask him if he'd seen anything strange around here he chuckled shaking his head son I've been driving these roads for 30 years seen all kinds of weird stuff but if you're talking about the guy in the black sedan you're not alone a few drivers have mentioned being followed by someone like that cops don't do much about it though just say it's someone messing around that didn't make me feel any better but at least I knew I wasn't the only

one I got back in my truck and headed out my eyes still scanning the road but with a bit more Resolve I wasn't going to let some creep scare me off my route but I made a point to avoid stopping at deserted rest areas sticking to the busy truck stops where I knew I'd be safer years later I retired from Trucking the open road lost its appeal after that night I never found out who was behind the wheel of that car or what they wanted maybe it was just some punk playing a prank or maybe

it was something more Sinister but I'm great F I trusted my instincts that night it might have saved my life sometimes when I tell this story to friends over a beer they ask if I'd do anything different I tell them no I did what I had to do to stay safe and if they're ever out on those lonely highways at night they should do the same because you never know who might be watching my name is Orson Deo and this happened to me on November 14th 2003 I was working as a long hul truck driver

back then my usual route took me across the Midwest through the small towns and Open Fields of Indiana I like the Solitude of the job the long hours on the road and the simple pleasure of a hot cup of coffee at a Roadside Diner one night I was driving a load of auto parts from Detroit Detroit to St Louis the night was clear and cold and I had the radio tuned to a classic rock station around midnight I decided to take a break and pulled off at a truck stop just outside a little town called

Crawfordsville I grabbed a coffee and a sandwich and chatted briefly with the waitress a friendly woman named Beth she told me about some local gossip and warned me to be careful because there had been a few strange disappearances in the area recently I Shrugged it off as small town paranoia I've been through dozens of these places and every one of them has some spooky tale to tell after my break I got back into the cab and hit the road again the highway was empty just me and the hum of the engine about an hour later

I noticed a set of headlights in my rearview mirror they were far off at first but slowly grew closer I didn't think much of it until the car got right up behind me tailgating me for a good few miles it was odd because the road was empty and there was plenty of space to pass I slowed down hoping they'd go around but they just stayed there close enough that I could make out the shape of the car A dark sedan maybe a Ford or a Chevy after a few more minutes the car finally pulled out

to pass as it came up alongside me I glanced over and saw a man behind the wheel staring Straight Ahead there was something off about him his face was expressionless almost robotic he didn't look at me just kept his eyes on the road he passed me and sped off into the night I shook it off as just another weirdo on the road but about 20 minutes later I saw those same headlights again this time on the side of the road the car was pulled over and the driver was outside leaning against the hood as I

approached he raised his hand signaling for help against my better judgment I decided to pull over truckers help each other out and maybe this guy genuinely needed assistance I stopped the truck and climbed out leaving the engine running and the lights on as I walked towards him I noticed he was holding something a wrench maybe a tire iron I called out hey you need some help he didn't respond just stared at me with those cold dead eyes I felt a chill run down my spine but I kept walking when I was about 10 ft away

he Suddenly lunged at me with the wrench I jumped back narrowly avoiding the blow without thinking I turned and ran back to the truck I could hear his footsteps pounding the pavement behind me I reached the cab and slammed the door just as he reached the truck he started banging on the door with the wrench screaming something incoherent I floored the gas pedal and the truck lurched forward leaving him behind in a cloud of exhaust my heart was pounding as I sped down the highway constantly checking my mirrors for any sign of him I drove

non-stop until I reached a rest area about 50 Mi down the road I pulled in and parked my hands shaking as I tried to catch my breath I called the local sheriff's office and reported what had happened the dispatcher took my information and promised to send a patrol car out to check the area I didn't sleep much that night just sat in the cab with a baseball bat I kept behind the seat jumping at every little noise by morning I was exhausted but decided to keep moving I delivered my load in St Louis and tried

to put the whole incident behind me a few days later I got a call from the sheriff's office they found the car abandoned on the side of the road but there was no sign of the driver the car was reported stolen and the guy who attacked me was still at large they advised me to be cautious and to report any further encounters over the next few months I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched every time I stopped at a truck stop or rest area I scanned the parking lot for that dark sedan

my nerves were shot and I started carrying a pistol in the cab for protection I didn't have a permit but I figured it was better to be safe than sorry then one night in late February I was driving through the same stretch of of Indiana when I saw those familiar headlights in my mirror my heart skipped a beat but I told myself it was just paranoia the car stayed behind me for a few miles before pulling out to pass I braced myself as it came alongside but this time there was no one in the driver's

seat the car was empty cruising along beside me as if it had a mind of its own I stared in disbelief and then the car swerved towards me sideswiping the truck I fought to keep control as the truck veered off the road plowing into a ditch the car kept going disappearing into the night I sat there stunned trying to make sense of what had just happened I called the sheriff's office again and reported the incident they sent out a tow truck and took my statement but there wasn't much they could do without any solid evidence

after that I took a few weeks off to clear my head I considered quitting the job altogether but I loved the road too much to give it up when when I finally went back to work I made sure to avoid that stretch of highway a year passed without any incidents I started to think maybe it was all in my head a product of stress and exhaustion then one night in early December I was driving through Northern Kentucky when I saw a car broken down on the side of the road I was about to pass by

when I saw the driver a young woman waving frantically something about her seemed familiar and as I got closer I realized it was the same woman from the truck stop in Crawfordsville Beth I pulled over and got out calling out to her Beth what are you doing out here she looked terrified glancing around nervously Orson you've got to help me he's after me who's after you she didn't answer just grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the truck please we have to go now I helped her into the C ab and got back behind the

wheel my heart racing as we drove she told me a story that sent chills down my spine the man who had attacked me was her ex-husband a violent and unstable man who had been stalking her for years she had moved to Crawfordsville to escape him but he had found her she had been trying to get away but he was always one step ahead as she spoke I noticed a pair of headlights in the mirror the same dark sedan was following us closing in fast I pushed the pedal to the floor trying to outrun him but

the car kept gaining Beth screamed as the car rammed into the back of the truck sending us swerving across the road I fought to keep control but the car hit us again harder this time the truck skitted off the road crashing into a fence I was Dazed but managed to get out of the cab Beth was unconscious slumped over in her seat I grabbed the pistol from under the seat and and stepped out ready to face him the man stepped out of the car a twisted smile on his face he was holding a knife the

blade glinting in the Moonlight I aimed the gun at him my hands shaking stay back I warned I'll shoot he didn't respond just kept walking towards me I fired a warning shot into the ground but he didn't even Flinch as he got closer I could see the madness in his eyes a wild unhinged look that sent a chill down my spine I fired again this time aiming for his leg the bullet hit its Mark and he stumbled falling to the ground I ran back to the truck and tried to wake Beth but she was still

out cold I called 911 and waited keeping an eye on the man as he lay there clutching his leg the police arrived within minutes and they took him into custody Beth was taken to the hospital and I was left to answer a barrage of questions in the end it turned out that Beth's EX husband had been following me for months using me to get to her he was a dangerous man with a history of violence and he had been responsible for the disappearances in Crawfordsville Beth recovered and we stayed in touch for a while she

eventually moved out of state changing her name to start a new life I continued driving but I was more cautious always looking over my shoulder wondering if he had any accompli out there it's been years since that night but I still think about it every time I drive through Indiana I've seen a lot of strange things on the road but nothing as terrifying as those nights when I was being hunted by a Madman I learned to trust my instincts and never to let my guard down because you never know what's lurking out there on the

open Highway my name is Duncan Morley and this happened to me on November 12th 1994 I was a truck driver making runs across the Midwest hauling everything from fresh produce to construction materials this story starts on a route I'd taken dozens of times but that night everything went sideways I was on I70 driving through Kansas it was late probably around 11:00 p.m. the radio played some classic rock the kind of that keep you awake when the road seems endless I just picked up a load of Steel beams from Topeka heading towards Denver the skies were

clear the kind of Starry Night that makes you feel small and alone on the open road I remember stopping at a rest area near Junction City I needed a break a cup of coffee and maybe a quick nap before pushing on the place was deserted except for one old pickup truck I didn't think much of it truckers and Travelers come and go all night I got my coffee from a vending machine that probably hadn't been cleaned in years and sat at a picnic table letting the cool night air wake me up a bit after about

20 minutes I headed back to my rig I was climbing up into the cab when I saw him a man probably in his late 30s standing by the edge of the lot he was tall with a rugged look the kind of guy who could be a ranch hand or maybe an off-duty trucker he had on a flannel shirt and jeans nothing unusual but there was something off about the way he just stood there staring need a lift I called out thinking maybe he was stranded no thanks he replied his voice flat just enjoying the night

I nodded climbed into my truck and pulled out of the lot as I merged back onto the highway I saw him in the rear view mirror still standing there watching I Shrugged it off and focused on the road ahead about an hour later fatigue hit me harder than expected I decided to pull over at another rest stop this one even smaller and more isolated I parked my truck and climbed into the sleeper cab to catch a few hours of sleep the hum of the engine was my lullabi I must have dozed off pretty quickly because

the next thing I remember was waking up to a strange noise it wasn't loud just a subtle scratching sound I sat up listening the noise was coming from the back of the trailer I grabbed my flashlight and stepped out my breath visible in the cold night air the rest stop was eerily quiet I walked around to the back of the trailer shining my light at first I saw nothing unusual just my truck and the empty parking lot then I noticed the lock on the trailer door was broken my heart started pounding I opened the door

slowly the flashlight beam cutting through the darkness inside among the steel beam was a man it was the same guy from the previous rest stop he was sitting on one of the beams his face partially obscured by the Shadows what the hell are you doing in my truck I demanded my voice echoing in the trailer he didn't answer instead he stood up and started walking towards me I took a step back my flashlight trembling in my hand he moved with a deliberate slowness that made my skin crawl I felt the urge to run but my

leg seemed glued to the spot then without warning he lunged at me I fell back dropping the flashlight we grappled in the dark and I could feel his strength overpowering mine I managed to get a hand free and punched him Square in the jaw he staggered back giving me just enough time to scramble out of the trailer and slam the door shut I ran to the cab locking the doors behind me my hands shook as I fumbled for my phone I dialed 911 my breath coming in ragged gasps 911 what's your emergency there's a guy

in my trailer I panted he attacked me I'm at the rest stop off I70 near mile marker 331 stay on the line sir help is on the way I stayed in the cab my eyes locked on the rearview mirror minutes felt like hours I expected the man to come barreling out of the trailer any second but he didn't the silence was unnerving finally I saw the flashing lights of a police car two officers approached guns drawn I unlocked the cab and stepped out pointing to the trailer heun's in there I said my voice shaking the

officers nodded and cautiously opened the trailer door their flashlights pierced the darkness inside I held my breath waiting for the struggle to ensue but it didn't instead the officers looked back at me puzzled there's no one here one of them said what that's impossible I shouted running to the trailer but it was empty just steel beams and shadows he must have escaped the other officer suggested but there were no signs of forced entry or exit they took my statement and I described the man as best I could they promised to patrol the area and advised

me to stay alert I thanked them still shaken and watched as they drove off into the night I climbed back into my truck every nerve on edge sleep was out of the question so I decided to keep driving the rest of the night passed without incident but I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched by morning I was exhausted and decided to stop at a truck stop near the Colorado border I parked among the other big rigs the hustle and bustle of drivers giving me a sense of security after grabbing a bite to eat I

called my buddy Randy he was also a trucker someone who'd understand the weirdness of the previous night hey Duncan he answered his voice cheery how's the road treating you you wouldn't believe the night I had I replied recounting the events damn man Randy said that's creepy you should get a gun never know what kind of crazies are out there I know but you know me I've never been a gun guy I might have to reconsider we check fatted for a bit longer before hanging up I felt a bit better after talking to Randy but the

unease lingered I decided to take a nap in the truck stops parking lot surrounded by the sounds of engines and chatter I woke up in the late afternoon feeling somewhat refreshed I checked the trailer finding everything as it should be as I was about to climb back into the cab I noticed a piece of paper tucked under the windshield wiper I unfolded it and felt a chill run down my spine next time you won't be so lucky the note was handwritten the letters Jagged and uneven my mind raced how did he find me again I

looked around but there was no sign of the man I shoved the note in my pocket and started the truck my heart pounding I drove straight to Denver stopping only when necessary each stop was filled with paranoia my eyes scanning for any sign of the stranger by the time I delivered the load and reached a motel for the night I was a wreck I locked the door pushed a chair against it and double checked the windows only then did I let myself collapse on the bed sleep came fitfully dreams filled with Faceless Men and endless

highways the next morning I called the police and reported the note they took it seriously assigning a detective to the case detective Harris met me at a diner in Denver a no-nonsense woman in her 40s we're looking into it she said after taking my statement we've had a few reports of strange incidents along I70 but nothing concrete we'll keep you posted thanks I said though her words did little to comfort me for the next few weeks I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched every rest stop every Diner every gas station I was on high

alert but there were no more notes no more sightings gradually life returned to a semblance of normaly though I was never quite the same months later I heard from detective Harris they had found a man fitting the description in connection with another incident but he'd vanished before they could apprehend him the case went cold and so did my trail of fear I still drive those long halls but I'm more cautious now I carry a knife and I'm considering ry's advice about getting a gun that night changed me it's a reminder that no matter how familiar

the road danger can be just around the corner and every time I pass that rest stop near Junction City I can't help but glance in the rearview mirror half expecting to see him standing there watching my name is Clyde Baxter and this happened to me on November 12th 1996 I was a truck driver hauling Goods across the country just trying to make a living I'd been on the road for about 15 years by then seen a lot of weird stuff but nothing like what I'm about to tell you I was driving through the back roads

of southern Indiana a route I wasn't too familiar with the company had given me a last minute job delivering a load of lumber to a small small town I'd never heard of it was late probably around 10 p.m. and I was running low on gas and patience the radio had lost signal miles back and the only company I had was the hum of the engine and the rhythmic thump of tires on asphalt I pulled into a small rundown gas station that looked like it hadn't seen business in years the sign was flickering and the place

had an eerie Silence about it but I was desperate I parked the truck and walked over to to the lone pump an old man probably in his 70s came out from the station's office his face was a road map of wrinkles and he had a kind of vacant stare that made me uneasy need some gas he asked his voice barely above a whisper yeah I said trying to keep it short fill her up please he nodded and started pumping gas I glanced around noticing how deserted the place was there were no other cars no houses

in sight just dense Woods surrounding the station I felt a chill that had nothing to do with the cold night air while he was filling up I decided to stretch my legs and walked around the back of the station that's when I saw it a rusty old truck covered in dirt and grime with its driver's door hanging open something about it seemed off I stepped closer and saw dark stains on the seat and the steering wheel blood I backed away quickly my my heart pounding I thought about calling the cops but my cell phone was

dead and the pay phone by the office looked like it hadn't worked in years I hurried back to my truck where the old man was finishing up how much do I owe you I asked trying to keep my voice steady 20 bucks he replied still with that vacant stare I handed him the money jumped into my cab and drove off as fast as I could without looking back my mind was racing what had I just seen I needed to get out of there and report it to the authorities as soon as possible about 10 mil

down the road I saw a woman standing by the side of the road waving frantically she looked terrified against my better judgment I pulled over she ran up to the truck tears streaming down her face please help me she cried my boyfriend he's hurt we were attacked I motioned for her to get in she climbed into the passenger seat trembling her clothes were torn and she had bruises all over her arms where is he I asked trying to stay calm back there in the woods she said pointing behind us we were camping some guy came

out of nowhere and attacked us I managed to escape but he's still back there I nodded and turned the truck around heading back towards the gas station as we approached I saw something that made my blood run cold the old man was standing in the middle of the road road holding a shotgun the same vacant stare but now with a Sinister smile I slammed on the brakes skidding to a halt the woman screamed and I reached for the tire iron under my seat the old man fired a shot hitting the windshield but missing us I

threw the truck into reverse and floored it backing away as fast as I could what do we do the woman sobbed we get to the nearest town and call the cops I said my hand shaking on the wheel we drove for what felt like hours until we finally saw lights in the distance it was a small Diner open 24 hours I pulled in and we rushed inside shouting for help the staff and customers looked at us like we were crazy but they called the police while we waited the woman told me her name was Sarah

she and her boyfriend Mike had been on a road trip camping in different spots along the way they'd chosen a secluded area near the gate gas station for privacy not knowing what was lurking nearby the cops arrived about 20 minutes later we told them everything and they headed out to investigate Sarah and I stayed at the diner drinking coffee and trying to calm down it was the longest night of my life the next morning the cops came back with grim news they'd found Mike's body in the woods not far from where Sarah had escaped he'd

been brutally beaten and left to die they also o found the old man's Shack nearby filled with disturbing evidence bloody clothes weapons and even some human remains the old man himself was nowhere to be found the police launched a Manhunt but as far as I know they never caught him Sarah was devastated but she thanked me for saving her life I stayed with her until her family arrived then I got back in my truck and drove away the weight of the night's events heavy on my mind I still think about that night sometimes especially when

I'm driving alone on those dark empty roads it's a reminder that you never really know what's out there lurking in the shadows and every time I pass by a rundown gas station I feel a shiver run down my spine remembering the old man's vacant stare and Sinister smile life went on but I never quite felt the same I kept driving but I was more cautious more aware of my surroundings the company offered me a different route which I gladly accepted I never went back to that part of Indiana years passed and the memory of that

night faded a bit but it never completely disappeared I'd hear about similar stories on the news people going missing strange attacks and it always brought me back to that gas station and the old man with the shotgun I stayed in touch with Sarah for a while she moved out of state and tried to start over but the trauma of of losing Mike and the terror of that night haunted her we'd exchange letters every now and then but eventually we lost touch I retired from truck driving a few years ago but I still have nightmares sometimes

in them I'm back at that gas station the old man is there and I can't escape I wake up in a cold sweat my heart racing and it takes a while to calm down I don't tell many people about what happened most wouldn't believe it anyway but it's a story that needs to be told a warning to others to always be cautious to trust your instincts and to be aware of the dangers that can hide in plain sight life is unpredictable and sometimes the most ordinary situations can turn into your worst nightmare I learned that

the hard way and even though I've moved on a part of me will always be that scared truck driver on a dark Road in Indiana trying to outrun a nightmare that felt all too too real and if you ever find yourself in a similar situation remember to stay alert trust your gut and never let your guard down you never know who or what you might encounter on those lonely forgotten roads my name is Leroy Cantrell and this all went down in July of 2009 I remember it clearly because it was a hot sticky summer and

I was behind the wheel of my old freight liner hauling a load of Steel beams to a construction site in southern Missouri I'd been driving trucks for nearly 20 years and you'd think I'd seen it all but what happened that day still haunts me I was rolling down Highway 60 somewhere between popler Bluff and Van buen in the middle of nowhere there's this stretch of road that cuts through the Mark Twain National Forest beautiful during the day but desolate and Eerie once the sun goes down that evening I was making good time planning to stop

at a truck stop near Springfield to grab a bite and catch some sleep I just crossed over the Black River when I noticed a beat up old pickup on the side of the road Hood up and a guy waving frantically now truckers have an unspoken code you help each other out so I slowed down pulled over and hopped out to see what was up the guy was maybe in his late 40s scruffy beard wearing a greasy baseball cap and a stained flannel shirt he looked like he'd been working on that truck all day hey man

need a hand I called out walking over thank God you stopped he said looking relieved I'm Ray truck just up and died on me think it's the alternator any chance you could give me a ride to the nearest town I sized him up he seemed harmless enough and I couldn't just leave him stranded sure hop in I said nearest Town's about 20 mi up the road Ray grabbed a small duffel bag from his truck and climbed into the passenger seat we got moving again and he was a talker told me he was from Alabama heading

up to visit his sister in St Louis said his truck had been giving him trouble for weeks but he'd been hoping to make it just a bit further we were maybe 15 minutes down the road when I I noticed a car in my rear view mirror tailing us pretty close at first I didn't think much of it probably just someone impatient with my speed but then it stayed right on us which was weird given we were the only two vehicles on the road you know that car I asked Ry nodding towards the mirror he turned

to look and his face went pale nah no idea who that is he said but his voice wavered maybe it's a cop I joked trying to lighten the mood you running from the law Ray he forced a laugh no nothing like that but I could tell something was off I kept an eye on the car which followed us for another 10 miles never once trying to pass just tailing us like a shark when we hit a stretch where the forest thickened on either side it finally made its move the car sped up swerved around us

and cut us off forcing me to break hard what the hell I muttered the car stopped dead in front of us blocking the road a tall thin guy in a dark jacket got out and started walking towards us he had a gun stay calm Ry I said my heart racing I reached under my seat but I remembered I'd left my pistol at home company policy had recently cracked down on drivers carrying weapons and i' decided to play it safe the guy reached my door and yanked it open out of the truck he ordered pointing the

gun at my face I glanced at Ry who looked terrified look we don't want any trouble I said raising my hands take whatever you want I said get out of the truck He barked we did as we were told climbing down slowly Ray stumbled almost falling the guy motioned us to the side of the road keeping the gun trained on us empty your pockets he said we handed over our wallets phones and keys you can take the truck man I said just let us go shut up he snapped he took our stuff and tossed it

into the car then he walked back to us his eyes darting nervously you he pointed at me get in the truck and start it I glanced at Ry who looked like he might pass out don't try anything the guy warned jabbing the gun in my direction I got back into the cab and turned the key the engine roared to life the guy motioned for Ry to get in the car you drive he ordered me with Ry in the car and me in the truck I had no idea what his plan was but I wasn't about

to argue with a gun I started driving again following the car as it led the way down the highway we drove for what felt like hours though it was probably only 20 minutes the car led us down a narrow Dirt Road off the highway way deeper into the forest my mind raced with thoughts of Escape but there was no way out the trees closed in around us and I knew we were heading into a trap finally the car stopped in a small clearing the guy got out still holding the gun and walked over to my

door turn it off he said I did out he ordered again I climbed down my hands trembling he motioned for me to follow him into the woods where Ray was already being led by another man I hadn't noticed before this one was shorter stocky with a mean look in his eyes move the first guy said prodding me with the gun we walked for a few minutes until we reached an old abandoned cabin my gut Twisted with fear they pushed us inside and I saw it was empty except for some old furniture and trash sit the

second guy said shoving Ray onto a dirty couch I sat next to him trying to think of a way out what do you want I asked trying to keep my voice steady the first guy smiled but it didn't reach his eyes just a little insurance he said make sure you don't go running to the cops he turned to his partner get the Rope I felt a cold sweat break out as the second guy rummaged through a bag and pulled out a length of rope they tied us up wrists and ankles and and left us on

the couch don't go anywhere the first guy said with a laugh and they walked out closing the door behind them as soon as they were gone I started struggling against the ropes we have to get out of here I whispered to Ry who was shaking uncontrollably they're going to kill us aren't they he said his voice barely above a whisper not if we get out first I said trying to sound confident I wriggled my wrists trying to loosen the knots it was slow painful work but I could feel the Rope starting to give we heard

the car start up and drive away leaving us in the Eerie Silence of the forest come on damn it I muttered finally getting one hand free I quickly untied the rest and turned to help Ray Leroy thank you he said his voice cracking save it for later I said we need to move we stumbled out of the cabin looking around the car was gone and there was no sign of the two men Which Way Ry asked his eyes wide with fear we follow the road I said it's our best chance we started walking keeping to

the edge of the road ready to dive into the trees at the first sign of trouble the sun was setting casting Long Shadows through the forest I kept my ears open listening for any sound of the car returning after what felt like forever we heard the faint sound of a vehicle approaching hide I hissed dragging Ry into the underbrush we crouched down holding our breath as the car Drew closer it wasn't the same car this one was a beat up old sedan and the driver looked like an older man probably a local I stood up

waving my arms hey over here the car slowed down and stopped the driver rolled down his window looking at us suspiciously what's going on here please we need help I said we were carjacked and kidnapped can you call the police the man looked us over then nodded get in I'll take you to the Sheriff's Office we climbed into the back seat exhausted and relieved the man introduced himself as Earl and he drove us to the nearest town a small place called Ellington at the sheriff's office we gave our statements describing the two men and what

had happened the sheriff a grizzled Oldtimer named Frank took our story seriously we'll get a patrol out there to look for your truck and those men he said you two are lucky to be alive Ry and I exchanged a look we were alive but shaken to the core the sheriff's deputies drove us back to the clearing where they found my truck abandoned but otherwise untouched there was no sign of the men or Ray's pickup stay alert the sheriff said as we prepared to leave these guys might come back we thanked him and got back on

the road heading to the nearest truck stop we needed to call our companies and Report what had happened but more than that we needed to get some rest as we drove away I couldn't help but think about how close we'd come to dying out there I'd always considered myself a tough guy but this experience had shaken me Ry was quiet staring out the window lost in his own thoughts we parted ways at the truck stop exchanging phone numbers and Promises to stay in touch I never saw him again but I think about him every time

I pass through southern Missouri that night changed me I'm more cautious now more aware of the dangers out on the road I still help people when I can but I'm always on guard always ready for the unexpected and every now and then when I'm driving through the dark stretches of Highway I remember those two men and wonder if they ever got caught if they're still out there looking for their next victim but I don't let it consume me life goes on and so do I after all the road never stops calling and there's always another

load to haul another destination to reach and as long as I'm behind the wheel I'll keep moving forward no matter what that's the life of a trucker always move moving always watching Always surviving my name is Randall o Ali and this happened to me on October 17th 2003 I remember the date because it was right around my birthday and I was stuck on the road driving my rig through the back roads of West Virginia being a truck driver ain't glamorous but it pays the B bills and gets me away from the city noise I was

heading towards a small town called Bramwell carrying a load of Auto Parts the plan was to drop off the goods and then hightail it back to Chicago for a long weekend that was the plan anyway I'd been driving for about 8 hours straight when I decided to pull over at a rest stop it was one of those quiet places off Highway 52 not much more than a couple of vending machines in a bathroom I parked my truck and got out to stretch my legs my back was killing me and I needed a cigarette as I

lit up and leaned against the hood I noticed an old beat up Ford parked at the edge of the lot it wasn't uncommon to see cars in these spots but something about this one felt off the windows were dark and there was no sign of Life a guy in a faded denim jacket came out of the bathroom he looked rough like he hadn't slept in days his eyes were bloodshot and he had a sort of Twitchy way about him he glanced at me then at the Ford and quickly looked away he climbed into his car

started the engine and just sat there idling I figured he was another trucker or a Drifter you see all kinds on the road I finished my smoke and headed to the vending machine for a soda as I was fumbling for change I heard the rumble of an engine and looked up the guy in the Ford was pulling out but not before he took one last long look at me it wasn't friendly I brushed it off and got back in my truck the sun was setting and I still had a couple of hours to go before

I'd reach Bramwell I turned on the radio found a classic rock station and hit the road the highway was empty which was a blessing and a curse it made for easy driving but it also made you feel isolated like you were the only person left in the world about an hour in I know noticed headlights in my side mirror they were far back but closing in fast within minutes the car was tailing me way too close for comfort I squinted at the mirror and recognized the Ford the same beat up piece of junk from the

rest stop what the hell does this guy want I muttered to myself I tried speeding up but the Ford matched my Pace I slowed down and he did the same it was starting to freak me out I honked my horn hoping he'd get the message and back off no dice he just stayed there like a shadow I decided to pull over hoping he'd pass me I signaled and eased onto the shoulder instead of passing he pulled over too about 50 ft behind me this was getting ridiculous I grabbed my flashlight and got out intending to

have a word with this lunatic I walked toward the car and as I got closer I could see the guy's silhouette behind the wheel he was just sitting there staring at me I stopped about 10 ft away and yelled hey man what's your problem he didn't respond didn't even Flinch just kept those creepy eyes on me I felt a chill run down my spine but shook it off I wasn't about to let some weirdo intimidate me look buddy if you've got something to say say it otherwise get lost still nothing I took a step closer

shining my flashlight into the car that's when I saw it blood there was blood smeared on the passenger seat and dashboard my heart started pounding this wasn't just some random Nut Job something bad had gone down in that car I backed away slowly not taking my eyes off him when I was a safe distance I turned and sprinted back to my truck I locked the doors and grabbed my cell phone no signal of course there was no signal I was in the middle of nowhere I decided to make a run for it I started the

engine and floored it the Ford's headlights flared up and he was right on my tail again Panic set in I needed to find help and fast Bramwell wasn't too far now if I could just make it there the next 20 minutes were a blur of speed and fear the Ford Stuck To Me Like Glue swerving erratically I kept honking my horn flashing my lights hoping someone would notice finally I saw the lights of Bramwell in the distance I gunned it my truck roaring as it pushed past the speed limit I barreled into town heading straight

for the gas station I'd seen on my map it was late but the place was still open I pulled in hard tires screeching and jumped out shouting for help the attendant a young guy named Cody came running out what's going on that guy's been following me for Miles I pointed down the road but the Ford was gone disappeared like a ghost Cody looked skeptical but nodded come inside we'll call the sheriff inside Cody dialed the local sheriff's office I paced around trying to calm down I kept glancing out the window half expecting the Ford to

come screeching into the lot about 10 minutes later Sheriff Tomlinson arrived he was an older guy grizzled but kindl looking Mr om Ali Cody here says you've been having some trouble I told him everything from the rest stop to the blood in the car he listened nodding occasionally but I could tell he thought I was overreacting all right let's take a look he said finally we went back outside but the Ford was still nowhere to be seen the sheriff looked around then back at me I'll have a patrol keep an eye out but you might

want to stay in town tonight just to be safe Cody offered to let me park my truck behind the gas station and even gave me a cot in the back room to crash on I was too shaken to argue I thanked him and tried to get some sleep but every noise had me on edge I kept thinking about those blood stains and the dead look in that guy's eyes the next morning I decided to head out early the sun was just coming up as I climbed into my truck hoping to put as many miles between

me and Bramwell as possible as I pulled onto the highway I saw Sheriff Tomlinson parked at the edge of town he waved and I waved back grateful for his help I drove for hours the road stretching endlessly before me the events of the night before started to feel like a bad dream something I could shake off but then just as I was beginning to relax I saw it the Ford parked at the side of the road the same guy leaning against it watching me my heart raced and I felt a surge of anger enough was

enough I pulled over and grabbed my tire iron I wasn't going to let this psycho mess with me anymore as I marched toward him he straightened up a faint smile playing on his lips I stopped a few feet away gripping the tire iron tight what do you want I demanded he didn't answer just stared at me with those dead eyes I felt a surge of fear and swung the tire iron but he dodged it easily grabbing my arm and twisting it pain shot through me and I dropped the iron he shoved me to the ground

and pulled out a knife I scrambled back kicking at him but he was relentless I managed to get to my feet and ran back to my truck my arm throbbing I jumped in and locked the door just as he reached me slashing at the window with the knife the glass held but just barely I fumbled for the ignition and started the truck slamming it into gear the tires squealed as I sped away the guy still slashing at my window I drove like a madman heart pounding until I couldn't see him anymore I didn't stop until

I reached the next town I pulled into a police station and told them everything they took my statement and promised to investigate but I could see the doubt in their eyes I stayed in that town for a couple of days too scared to get back on the road when I finally did I took a different route avoiding West Virginia altogether the me of that guy his dead eyes and the blood in his car still haunts me I never found out who he was or what he wanted but I know one thing I'm never taking the

back roads again years later I still think about that night I still see his face in my nightmares some things you just can't shake I kept on driving trucks but I was always looking over my shoulder always wondering if he was out there waiting if you ever find yourself on Highway 52 near Bramwell be careful you never know who you might run into my name is Duke Sullivan and this happened to me in the summer of 1995 I was a truck driver hauling Freight across the Midwest mostly small towns and back roads it was a

good job for a guy like me kept me on the Move no bosses breathing down my neck and plenty of time to think I was 35 back then a bit rough around the edges but enjoying the life little did I know that summer would change everything I had just picked up a load in Elkart Indiana and was headed to a little town in Missouri it was a hot day the kind where sweat sticks to your back and the sun glares off the asphalt like it's got a personal Grudge I remember stopping at a small Diner

just off Highway 50 grabbing a quick bite there was nothing special about the place just greasy food and bad coffee but it did the trick the waitress a young woman named Jenny was chatty she asked me about my route my truck the usual small town curiosity she mentioned something about a missing girl from a nearby Town said her picture was on the news I nodded half listening more focused on my burger people go missing all the time right didn't think much of it then I finished up and got back on the road pushing through the

afternoon heat about an hour in my CB radio crackled to life it was another driver Joe who I'd run into a few times at various stops Joe was one of those guys who always had a story usually too good to be true but he was good company on the long hauls hey Duke you out there Joe's voice came through the static yeah I'm here what's up Joe I replied adjusting the volume you hear about that girl the one from Sterling word is they found her car but not her weird stuff man real weird yeah some

waitress was talking about it what do you think happened could be anything runaway maybe or something worse you know how it is I didn't say much more just listen to Joe ramble on about other missing person cases he'd heard of by the time I rolled into Sterling the sun was starting to dip casting Long Shadows over the town it was a quiet place one of those towns where everyone knows everyone else and strangers stick out like a sore thumb I pulled into a rest area just outside of town figuring I'd catch a few hours of

sleep before heading out early in the morning the place was empty except for a couple of parked cars I climbed into my sleeper cab cracked the window to let in some air and settled in for the night I must have dozed off pretty quick because the next thing I knew there was a tapping on my window groggy I rubbed my eyes and peered out standing there was a middle-aged man scruffy with a worn out baseball cap he looked desperate his eyes darting around nervously hey buddy you got a minute he asked voice sh shaky I

rolled down the window a bit more what's going on my daughter she's missing you a trucker you see a girl maybe 16 brown hair blue eyes her name's Emily it hit me then this was the missing girl Jenny and Joe had mentioned I shook my head sorry man I haven't seen anyone when did she go missing couple days ago we found her car by the Old Quarry but no sign of her please if you see anything let us know I nodded giving him my best reassuring look he handed me a flyer with her picture and

some contact information I took it feeling a Pang of sympathy losing a kid must be the worst thing imaginable he thanked me and walked off into the night I couldn't sleep after that something about his desperation got under my skin I started thinking about my own life the people I'd lost touch with the roads I'd traveled I decided to take a look around the Quarry in the morning just to see if there was anything out of place not that I expected to find anything what did I know about finding missing people morning came and I

headed out to the Quarry it was an old abandoned site overgrown with weeds and littered with broken equipment I parked the truck and started walking looking for any signs of the girl I didn't know what I was looking for maybe a piece of clothing a bag anything that might help I was about to give up when I saw it a small worn out sneaker partially hidden under some bushes my heart skipped a beat I crouched down picking it up carefully it was dirty like it had been out here for a while I looked around suddenly

feeling very alone then I saw him a man tall and lanky standing on the ridge above me he was watching me his face unreadable I raised my hand in a half wave trying to act casual but my mind was racing something about him felt off he didn't wave back instead he turned and disappeared over the ridge I quickly stuffed the sneaker into my jacket and made my way back to the truck as I started the engine my mind was buzzing who was that guy what was he doing out here and most importantly was Emily still

alive I drove back to town stopping at the Sheriff's Office the sheriff a grizzled old man named Harris listened patiently as I told him about the sneaker and the man I'd seen you sure about this he asked eyes narrowing yeah I'm sure look I know it's not much but maybe it's something he sighed taking the sneaker from me all right I'll send someone out to check it in the meantime you keep your eyes open and be careful Duke this ain't the kind of place where people go missing I nodded and left feeling a mix of

frustration and unease I got back in my truck ready to leave this place behind but as I drove out of town I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched the next couple of days were uneventful I made my deliveries chatted with other drivers and tried to put Sterling out of my mind but every time I stopped I found myself checking the news looking for updates on Emily it was late one night somewhere in Missouri when I got a call from Joe on the CB Duke you got a minute yeah what's up Sheriff Harris

called said they found more evidence near that quarry some blood looks like and they're still looking for that guy you saw damn you think they'll find her I hope so but listen there's something else a buddy of mine Frank he was in Sterling yesterday he said he saw a guy matching your description hanging around the truck stop there creepy as hell I felt a chill run down my spine you think he's following us could be just keep your eyes open all right I thanked Joe and signed off feeling a new sense of unease I tried

to focus on the road but my mind kept drifting back to that man at the Quarry what if he was following me what if he knew I I'd seen him I decided to stop at a rest area for the night somewhere well lit and busy safety and numbers right but as I settled in I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched it was around midnight when I heard the noise a soft scraping like someone was trying to open the door of my cab my heart pounded as I grabbed a wrench from under the

seat I stayed quiet listening the noise stopped then started again on the other side I took a deep breath and threw the door open wrench raised there was no one there just the darkness and the distant hum of the highway I climbed out checking around the truck but found nothing just as I was about to get back in I saw it another sneaker just like the one I'd found at the Quarry lying near my rear tires my blood ran cold this wasn't a coincidence someone was messing with me I picked up the sneaker and got

back in the cab locking the doors sleep was out of the question I sat there clutching the wrench waiting for the dawn when morning finally came I drove straight to the nearest police station I handed over the sneaker and told them everything they took my statement and promised to look into it but I could tell they thought I was just a paranoid trucker I didn't care I needed to get out of there I called Joe told him what happened he agreed it was best to lay low for a while maybe change my route I took

his advice steering clear of Sterling and its surrounding areas a few weeks passed and things started to feel normal again the memory of that night began to fade replaced by the routine of the road but then out of the blue I got a call from Sheriff Harris Duke we found him the guy you saw he's dead what how looks like like he fell off a cliff near the Quarry we found his body yesterday but here's the thing he had more of Emily's stuff with him we're still searching the area a mix of relief and confusion

washed over me so he was the one seems like it but we still don't know what happened to Emily just thought you should know I thanked him and hung up feeling a strange sense of closure the man I'd seen was dead but Emily was still missing it wasn't the ending I'd hoped for but it was something I kept driving kept working but the memory of that summer stayed with me every time I passed through a small town I thought of Emily and her father of the desperation in his eyes I never saw Joe again he

retired a few years later and moved to Florida we exchanged Christmas cards for a while but eventually lost touch life went on as it always does but but every now and then when the road is long and the night is quiet I think back to that hot summer day in Sterling I think about the sneaker the man on the Ridge and the girl who never came home and I wonder my name is Daryl Fletcher and this happened to me on July 17th 2009 I was a truck driver back then driving long Halls across the country

it was a job I loved and hated in equal measure you get to see the country sure but the loneliness can be a killer anyway I was on a run from Kansas City to some small town in Wyoming can't remember the name now the route took me through the back roads the kind of roads where you can go hours without seeing another Soul it was getting late the sky turning a dark purple and I decided to pull into a rest area I knew was about an hour ahead one of those real outof theeway places where

the facilities are pretty much just a bathroom and a couple of vending machines I'd been driving since Dawn and needed to stretch my legs and maybe catch a quick nap before the last leg of the trip I pulled in parked my rig and noticed another truck already there a dark blue Peterbilt didn't think much of it truckers often stopped here I got out lit a cigarette and took a deep breath of the cooling air it felt good to be out of the cab as I walked towards the restrooms I noticed something odd there was a

trail of what looked like dark dried liquid leading from the truck to the bathroom oil I thought at first but it was too dark too thick curiosity got the better of me so I followed the trail it led to the restroom door which was slightly a jar I pushed it open and stepped inside the smell hit me first a sickly sweet odor mixed with the usual restroom stink my eyes adjusted to the dim light and I saw it a man slumped against the wall blood everywhere his throat had been slit and his eyes were wide

open staring at nothing I backed out my heart pounding I'd never seen anything like that before I knew I had to call the cops but my cell was dead and the pay phone outside was out of order typical I I ran back to my truck hoping to use my CB radio to call for help as I fumbled with the mic I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye someone was coming out of the other truck the guy was tall lean wearing a baseball cap pulled low over his face he moved with a casual

confidence that set my nerves on edge I pretended not to see him focusing on getting a signal out I managed to reach another trucker who promised to relay my call to the authorities as I signed off the man approached my truck everything all right he asked his voice calm and even yeah just checking my route I lied you he smiled a slow unsettling smile just stretching my legs I nodded and watched him walk towards the bathroom my gut told me to get out of there but I needed to wait for the cops I kept the

engine running ready to bolt if things got hairy minutes felt like hours but eventually I saw the flashing lights of a patrol car I flagged them down and two officers stepped out I told them what I'd seen and they went to check the bathroom moments later one of them came back looking pale stay in your truck sir he said we'll handle this I nodded and watched as they secured the area the guy in the cap was nowhere to be seen I hadn't seen him leave but he wasn't around anymore one of the officers came back

to take my statement I told him everything including the guy I'd seen did you get a good look at him the officer asked not really I admitted baseball cap lean maybe 6 ft tall didn't see his face clearly the officer nodded jotting down notes all right we'll need you to stick around for a bit I spent the next few hours talking to the cops repeating my story they asked if I had any enemies or if I thought someone might be targeting me I laughed at the absurdity I'm just a truck driver I said who'd want

to come after me they didn't have an answer but they took my information and told me to stay in touch by the time they let me go it was well past midnight I decided to push through the last leg of my trip the image of that dead man burned into my mind for weeks I could couldn't shake the feeling of being watched every time I pulled into a rest area I scanned the shadows for that guy in the cap but I never saw him again the cops never contacted me either and I never heard if

they caught the guy life went on but I changed became more cautious more aware of my surroundings I guess you could say it was a wake-up call a reminder that no matter how routine life seems danger can be just around the corner and sometimes it wears a friendly smile and a baseball cap a couple of months after that night I found myself on another long Hall this time through the deserts of New Mexico it was the kind of drive that gave you too much time to think my mind kept wandering back to that rest area

the blood and the guy in the cap I wondered if he was still out there somewhere looking for his next victim the thought sent a chill down my spine but I pushed it away I had a job to do and I couldn't afford to get spooked one night I pulled into a truck stop in the middle of nowhere it was a bigger place with a diner and a small convenience store there were a few other trucks parked their drivers inside getting a meal or some shuty I decided to grab a coffee and maybe a piece

of pie something to break the monotony of the road as I walked into the diner the Bell above the door jingled and a few heads turned to look at me truckers are a tight-knit group always curious about a new face I found a seat at the counter and ordered my coffee and Pie the waitress a middle-aged woman with tired eyes and a kind smile brought my order and struck up a conversation Long Haul she asked pouring my coffee yeah I replied just passing through she nodded wiping down the counter stay safe out there you hear

about that murder a while back some truck found a guy dead at a rest stop my heart skipped a beat yeah I heard about it I said keeping my voice steady crazy stuff she sighed world's a dangerous place got to watch your back I finished my coffee and Pie paid my bill and headed back to my truck as I walked across the parking lot I noticed a figure standing by one of the trucks he was tall lean and wore a baseball cap my heart raced but I forced myself to keep walking hoping he wouldn't notice

me I climbed into my cab locked the doors and started the engine as I pulled out of the lot I glanced in my mirrors the guy was gone I told myself it was just a coincidence another trucker stretching his legs but deep down I knew it wasn't that simple the rest of the trip was uneventful but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being followed every rest stop every Diner I kept my eyes peeled for that guy in the cap but he never showed up again A year later I decided to take a break

from Trucking the road had lost its charm and I needed a change I took a job at a local Warehouse working regular hours and sleeping in my own bed life was good but I never forgot that night one evening I was watching the news when a story caught my attention another trucker had found a body at a rest stop the the victim's throat slit just like before the police were looking for a suspect a man described as tall lean and wearing a baseball cap I turned off the TV and sat in the silence the memories

flooding back I knew it was him the same guy who had haunted my thoughts for the past year I wondered how many other victims were out there how many more would fall before he was caught life goes on but some things stay with you I still drive past that rest area sometimes on my way to visit family or take a trip I can't help but glance at the bathroom door half expecting to see that trail of dark dried liquid leading inside it's a reminder that no matter how safe we think we are danger is always

lurking just out of sight and sometimes it wears a friendly smile in a baseball cap