"Oh. Well...should we go check it out?"

The clerk from the night before was there, talking on the phone with one elbow propped on the front desk. He was staring at a TV that was on in the corner of the lobby.

On the screen was Vexin's school photo.

"Well, I couldnt say for certain, but...yeah, Im pretty sure," he said. "They got in about ten last night, looking dead to the world; then this morning they asked the manager to have the room for another night. Theyre still in there now. Been there all day, as far as I know."

He stiffened, shaking his head as his brows furrowed. "Tattle clerk." he muttered.

Electa watched Vexin.


"Theyre supposed to come down and pay for the extra night soon; you want I should hold them for you? Oh, okay...yeah, I see..."

Behind the desk, another clerk stood waiting with wide eyes. When the man hung up the phone, she said, "Well?"

"She said not to go near them; theyre sending someone right out. Theres a squad car coming now--its just a few blocks away." He shook his head. "Man, wouldnt it be wild if it was them? Dangerous fugitives, holed up in a sleepy little place like Trinidad..."

His eyes popped open wide. "We have to go, now!" he said urgently.

Electa swore as she lunged off the bed. "Okay, forget staying--we've got to get out of here." She pulled on her jeans and strapped on her holster and pistol under her waistband.

"He said they where a few blocks away." he said, quickly getting off the bed as well and getting ready.

Electa kept the TV on as she edged the door open, peering out. "Its clear," she whispered, half-turning and holding out her hand to him. "Dont look like we're in a hurry. But be ready to run."

He nodded, coming over and gently taking her hand.

She started to walk to the parking lot

He entwined his fingers with hers to keep his heart rate down.