“Oh, is that so?” I squinted, my tone laced with sarcasm. “Got it. We’ll remember this little stunt, but not right now. The money’s loot anyway, and I’d rather spend the night in a bed than under a window.”
“So, taking it or not?” the woman smirked nastily. “Don’t even think about haggling—we won’t come to an agreement. I’m already taking a risk letting you stay. Some shady guy with no documents? Who’s to say you’re not a fugitive criminal?”
“Taking it,” I said, handing her a stack of cash as thick as the woman herself. “Keep the change.”
“Oh, I’ll count it,” muttered “Miss Ham Hock 2050” (as Dima colorfully dubbed her). “I’ve dealt with your kind before—offering no change, and then the register comes up short!”
I just shrugged, already calculating how to sear this hen’s rear in a way that would teach her a lesson without going overboard. Demons don’t forgive insults, but unlike gods, they know when enough is enough.
“Well, look at that, exact change,” she sneered, tossing us a key with disdain. “Room 205, second floor on the left. Be out by 10 a.m., or you’ll pay a fine. Now scram!”
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Shoving thoughts of the corpulent human aside, I headed straight to the room, which was, predictably, a true “economy” setup. Peeling wallpaper on the walls, furniture that must have seen the glory days of my previous life, and a leaky faucet in the bathroom… At least the sheets were clean, and there were no cockroaches. Small blessings.
First things first, I hopped into a hot shower, though I had to wait a few minutes for the cold water to run through. While waiting, I quickly hand-washed my clothes, hanging them to dry on a flimsy rack. Then, deciding to get my money’s worth, I spent the next hour fashioning a proper bathtub out of available materials. Who needs this cramped half-square-meter excuse of a shower when I can forge my own comforts?
After a thorough soak, I flopped onto the bed with my focal core and sank into meditation. My energy reserves from absorbing the walkers were still plentiful, so I could safely focus on development. This body was far too weak even by the standards of Apprentices, and that needed immediate fixing. Luck wouldn’t always be on my side, and right now, I was vulnerable to something as mundane as a firearm.
By dawn, as the first light crept in, I decided it was time to use the landline phone provided. What better time to give that gnome an extra headache by tipping off the gendarmes about his shady dealings? A petty move, perhaps, but deeply satisfying.
Naturally, I didn’t plan to stick around after the call. I didn’t want to leave unnecessary traces behind. Dima had confirmed the motel had no cameras the night before, and our appearances weren’t particularly distinctive. Good luck to anyone trying to track us down—our descriptions could fit half the twenty-year-olds out there. Besides, I doubted the hefty receptionist had a sharp memory.
Dressed and double-checking to ensure I hadn’t forgotten anything, I was about to head for the door when I decided to take one last look around.
It was a good thing I did.
A group of about ten men, all with official-looking expressions and wearing uniforms with insignias, was already making its way up the stairs to the second floor. And judging by their purposeful stride, they were clearly heading for me.