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“Good.” Abby sounded relieved. “I’m pretty sure the Feds found us because I used my credit card. Now I’m glad I had sense enough to pull a bunch of cash out of the ATM.”

“Sorry, that was my fault. I ran the card when your bill reached fifty bucks.” Natalie looked remorseful.

“Don’t. How could you have known big brother was watching me? I didn’t even think they’d go this far. Bastards!” Abby growled.

Ashtoret scowled. Abby was in danger because of him. The reminder soured his stomach and filled him with intense anger not only at himself but at her own authorities.

“Tell me the truth, are we about to be invaded?” Natalie looked at him, wearing a serious expression. He could see the weight of everything was dawning on her.

“Oh, fuck! Natalie, watch the road,” Abby screamed when Natalie accidently veered toward the oncoming vehicles, their lights blinding him.

Torment, he cursed as he pictured himself dying in the precarious little metal box.

“I’m sorry! This is so fucked up!” Natalie’s voice broke as she veered back into their lane.

“No. You’re not about to be invaded,” he insisted, breathing a sigh of relief when they were out of danger.

“Okay, okay,” Natalie panted, her hands trembling on the wheel that directed the vehicle. “That’s good.” Natalie cast him an unconvincing smile.

Please watch the road, female. He gripped the side of his seat.

“Do you kind of feel like somebody said, ‘Just kidding, the Easter Bunny and Santa are real’?” Abby asked.

“Yeah,” Natalie replied shakily.

“Sorry to pull the rug out from under you.”

“No. It’s better to know.” Natalie nodded resolutely.

“Yeah,” Abby replied with just about as much conviction, which was none, clearly sympathizing with her fellow human.

The trio were silent for the rest of the trip. Natalie pulled up to a long two-story building, with door after door running the length of it.

“Here you are. I will wait till you get a room.”

“Thank you, Natalie. Let me pull our clothes out of your backpack.”

“No, take it, it’s older.”

He watched from the shadows by the vehicle while Abby ran into the building and talked with a male at the counter. It wasn’t long before she came back out wearing a smile, waving a little key.

“Good. You guys be safe,” Natalie said with a hesitant smile.

“My sister’s number is in your phone. You get in a bind, call.”

“All right,” Natalie said as she pulled away.

“It’s not the greatest motel, but I like that we don’t have to go through the lobby,” Abby commented as she led him down the long row of doors, to an unoccupied area near the rear of the inn. “I didn’t see any cameras, paid cash, and signed someone else’s name, so I’m hoping we won’t be located.”

“Smart.” He kept a wary eye out for others, while Abby unlocked the door. “Wait.” He walked in first and swiftly checked the room. Finding no one, he waved Abby in.

“How about you go change out of that god-awful outfit and wash up. Natalie was kind enough to pack more make-up if we need it.” Abby gave him a tired smile, which worried him. She wasn’t used to this high level of persistent stress.

“All right,” he agreed. “You should rest.”

He grabbed the bag, then headed into the small washroom. Before he shut the door, he cast Abby another concerned glance. She stood in the middle of the room looking lost.