Page 19 of Witch (Gray Wolf Security #24)

He’d slept much later than anticipated. Considering the quality of his new bed, even he was surprised by it. Of course, the guests in the other rooms were already done for the evening and had either left the premises or were sound asleep, so that offered him some peace and quiet as well.

He showered and changed his clothing, once again chastising himself for being in this situation. There was nothing to do until he could convince others that they needed his services.

Across the street was a chain restaurant serving breakfast. He could afford to use one of his credit cards, but then he’d be forced to get creative. He’d paid for the entire week at the motel, and even though it was cheap, it wasn’t free.

“Coffee, sir?” asked the waitress. She wore a stained yellow smock and apron. Her eyes were tired-looking, as though she’d been on her feet for days.

“Yes. Please,” he said, forcing the nicety from his lips.

“Refills are free. Just wave me over, and I’ll keep it full.” He was shocked to hear it and actually smiled at the woman.

“Thank you.”

“No problem. We’ve got several breakfast specials. $8.99 all-you-can-eat pancakes, waffles, or scrambled eggs. They all come with toast, bacon or sausage, and of course, the coffee.” She smiled at him, setting the pot of coffee down. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

He nodded, smiling back at her, and then looked up at the television. A much-loved professor from a local university was missing, and people were starting search parties. The university was even offering a small reward if she were found.

He sipped the hot coffee, hiding the smirk on his face.

“What will it be?” asked the woman. Marcus looked at her name tag.

“Winnie, right?” She nodded. “Winnie, I’ll have the pancake special with bacon.”

“Comin’ right up, hun,” she said, walking away.

Perhaps his luck was changing. Perhaps things would begin to turn for him. Covering his coffee with a napkin, he looked for the restroom and stepped inside, careful to not touch anything. Standing at the lone urinal, he was grateful it was a one-person facility.

As he flushed, he looked down at the floor and couldn’t believe his eyes. A money clip with loads of cash.

“Holy cow,” he muttered.

Using a tissue, he picked up the money clip, removing it from the cash. He tossed the clip in the wastebasket and then rinsed the bills beneath the faucet, using soap and water. Holding them beneath the electric dryer, the money fanned out, revealing several one-hundred-dollar bills.

“My luck is changing,” he grinned. Chastising himself, he realized that even if it were a thousand dollars, he would need to be frugal, in case he had to escape town.

Back at his table, the first of his pancake stack was waiting. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was, wolfing down the food as if he hadn’t eaten in weeks. Winnie smiled at him, bringing another plate and refilling his coffee before being asked.

When he was done, he was able to leave her a nice tip and promised to return the next day. She watched him walk across the street and get into a car at the motel, speeding away.

“Hey, Winnie!”

“What do you want, Beck?” she frowned.

“Now, don’t be that way, darlin’,” he smirked. “Who was in the john last?”

“That fella that just left. Why? Did he leave a mess?” He looked back inside the bathroom and shook his head.

“Nope, but he took something that was meant for me.” Beck left the restaurant, walking across the street to the motel.

“What was that all about?” asked the line cook.

“I think that little fella just took Beck’s cut of the girls’ night at the motel. He must’ve thought someone dropped it.”

“Oh, shit,” laughed the man. “Boy’s gonna have a beatin’ comin’ his way.”

Winnie nodded, feeling sorry for the nervous little man. But not sorry enough to stick her nose into it.

“Yeah. Yeah, I guess he is.”