“Got you. Back in a blink.” Our server disappeared.
“Maybe we should find someplace with fewer people?” I nudged my chin toward the camcorder Octavia still gripped. “No interruptions. That sound okay?”
Octavia nodded. “Sure.”
“Our RV work?”
She eyed the big vehicle through the window with suspicion. I smiled, understanding. Smart woman.
“Maybe we could meet at our motel parking lot? Open air, plenty of space to run if things get dicey or one of us tries to bite you.”
Octavia shoved her camcorder back into her bag. “Yeah, that sounds good.”
God, this woman didn’t even offer a pity laugh at my teasing. Impressing her would be an uphill climb. Thankfully, I had already worn-in my hiking boots.
“Rae.” December’s warning tone tugged my eyes in her direction.
“Yeah?”
“The coin toss,” she said. “It’s mandatory.”
“Oh, right, right.” I waved my hand at her and then turned to Octavia. “Do you have a coin on you?”
“Uh…sure.” She frowned but pulled out a wallet. “A quarter okay?”
“Quarter’s perfect,” I promised, holding out my hand. “I’ll let you pick since it’s your ranch on the line. Heads or tails?”
THREE
I arrivedat the Midnight Motel fifteen minutes before I had to meet with Rae Jones and company. While I waited for their rustic RV to pull into the lot, I stuffed my face with a protein bar and updated Wilson.
Octavia
Got a meeting with Jones. My location is on in case things get weird, but I’m hopeful this will get figured out tonight.
Wilson
Best news we’ve had in weeks! So, it’s confirmed? You’re staying in town for the night?
Yeah, the plan’s to hit the road bright and early tomorrow. Hopefully with them in tow.
Wilson
Sounds good. Should I switch over some money from the business account for your room? I think we haveenough to cover it.
No, it’s okay. I’ll use my personal account.
My brother and I both had equal access to the business account. But currently, I had limited access to transfers because of my flip phone. Downgraded tech proved nice on the ranch when I wanted to be disconnected. In civilization, it’d transformed into more of a hindrance than a gift.
Esther took you into town?
Wilson
We’re on the way now.
“Would you like to upgrade to our premium package?” the woman at the front desk offered with a toothy grin. She pointed her bony finger at the sign behind her. Yellow lights flickered as I read their premium offerings. An upgrade would give me access to the laundry room and complimentary desserts. A stack of doughnuts sat in a clear plastic case. There were two flies trapped inside with them, one circling while the other crawled through a puddle of icing. My nose flinched.
“I think I’m good.” I grabbed the faded key card from the yellow, peeling counter.
