“I was expecting that to be much harder.” Bob was walking at a brisk pace to keep up with Phil. The Super 8 motel was getting closer with every step.
“I must admit, I didn’t know it was this close.” Phil felt how grimy he had become with sweat and whatever grime he’d picked up from the boxcar and old man B’s backseat. “I hope we don’t come off too much like vagrants. Maybe they have a no-rent policy?”
“Remember when Super 8 was the kind of place that didn’t care?”
“Barely.”
“Me either, but I’ve heard stories.”
“I’m calling dibs on the shower.”
“Go for it. I won’t stop you at all. That is all you and a bag of chips, but I call dibs on the bag of chips. I’m still freakin’ hungry.”
“Well, you’ll be happy to know I splurged for a toothbrush two-pack and some toothpaste while we were at Kmart.”
“Geez Phil, who thinks of dental hygiene while on the run from the police?”
“So I have good brushing habits and it’s driving me nuts to not brush right now. You do raise an interesting point.”
“I do?”
“Sure. Do people on the run shower as often as they’d like? Do they floss? Are they worried about making their credit card bills? If they have a pain in their shoulder, do they see a doctor or take a boatload of asprin? Are they concerned if their pants get a bit tight?”
“Those are all…interesting questions Phil. I know who you can ask.”
“Who’s that?”
“Our future cell mates if the hotel reports us. Why don’t you wait by the side entrance? I’ll get you once I get the room. Give me some cash too. I don’t think I have enough to get the room.”
“Hey, it’s your ball game. Just don’t woo the front desk girl yet.”
“I don’t know Phil. I might need to get two rooms. Redheads are a weakness.”
Phil rolled his eyes and started trying to think of anything else to forget how badly he wanted to shower, and how much he didn’t want to share a room with Bob and a new conquest.
***
Jeremiah walked slowly to the car. He didn’t want to spill either of the coffee cups he was carrying. Jebediah had moved to the passenger seat. He was typing on his laptop at a feverish pace. “I didn’t even see you grab that” Jeremiah said as he handed a coffee into the open window.
“I strapped it to my back while you were getting our long jackets out of the trunk. I knew we’d need it. I found our new ride.”
“Oh?”
“Take us to the airport. I found a car whose owner won’t be back in town for three more days. He left this morning and the car is in the regular parking area. No one will notice for three days, and I can get us in and get it started.”
“Well, we’re off to the airport then. Any other loose ends to tie up first?”
“Just one.” Jebediah pulled his Nokia out of his pocket.
“I’m going to miss that car” Jeremiah said.
