Dempster Road

Chapter 8

Adelaine lay on her bed staring at the ceiling, replaying the newscast. Was that possibly Ted, she wondered. Was it serious? Something she should worry about? ? She had been seen with him at the diner, and then when they went to the motel next door. And all the driving she did, confused about direction and then finding the hotel; it left her puzzled.

She closed her eyes and rested a hand on her forehead. Why had she thought Ted might be a future? The minute they took the room together she knew where it was headed. She should never have considered another relationship so soon, now look what's happened.

She glanced at the few pictures she always carried, scattered on the bed beside her, gazing with a cold appraisal until she dozed off.

Adelaine awoke confused. Her elusive dream had left her a feeling of something unfinished, but not what that might be. She wrinkled her brow as the details of the room filled her senses, and it took several moments for her to recall her stay in the Hurston Hotel.

The previous night came rushing back as partial conversations with the owner, Emily and the newscast that had upset her for some reason. She swung her legs off the bed and stood shakily, surprised to find she hadn't changed for bed. Her clothes were all crushed, and her hair was even more of a tangled mess.

She stripped down and went into the bathroom, adjusting the shower temperature and laying out her cosmetics on the sink counter. She searched her reflection in the mirror, and struggled to recall what she was dreaming about. Something about a man. Ted. Ted, the man from the diner.

She saw her expression change from confusion to a hardening of the features that made her appear older, and she straightened up, pivoting slowly, admiring her body with a meticulous perusal, then stepped into the shower.

Fresh clothes, makeup, and hair brushing gave her a bright outlook, and she gathered her pictures from the previous night, replacing them in her carry bag, then she popped open the locket and smiled at the couple frozen in time on fading photos. The smile hung around for a few moments and then slipped away . . . forgotten as she left her room.

****

Another couple was at the front desk with Emily when she came downstairs, and instead of waiting to speak she wandered into the dining room, helped herself to a coffee from the courtesy stand in the corner, and chose a table by a window in the sun. It felt warm and comforting on her skin and she turned her face to the glass letting the heat caress her cheeks.

In the parking spaces for the hotel she saw the vehicle with the police insignia on the door, and she looked back into the foyer and the couple intently talking with Emily. Had something happened to another guest, she suddenly wondered? Did it have something to do with the newscast? She wished she could remember. Maybe Emily would come and sit with her and tell her what was happening. She sipped her coffee and waited.

Stan wrote some more in his notebook and then put it away, thanking the woman behind the desk for her help. "Can we get somethin' to eat here or is it too early?"

"Sure thing, never turn my nose up at business. Just find yourself a table, there's coffee brewing in the corner and I'll be right along to take your orders." Emily slipped from behind the counter and disappeared through a door next to the dining room.

****

Belinda offered a smile to the single woman by the window as they sat then turned her attention to Stan. "She must be the one that checked in last night." She whispered.

"Maybe. I'll ask the owner." He studied the menu, frowning at the fact that it was all desserts.

"You should question her now, you don't want to be wasting any time, Stanley."

"Belinda could we at least eat something first? Bin a spell since I last had anything." He handed her the menu. "Hope she offers more than this."

"I'm just saying . . ."

Emily popped out from the kitchen and dropped a couple of printed sheets in front of Belinda and Stan and then went over to Adelaine. Stan relaxed as he read all about pancakes, and bacon, and sausage, and even steak.

"Good morning, did you sleep well?" Emily asked. She handed her the sheet and stood waiting.

"The bed was great but sleep wasn't; I dreamt a lot. I can't remember it, but it kept me from really zonking out."

"Well maybe a good meal will compensate. What can I get you?"

"Just some toast and maybe a bit of jam thanks."

"Oh dear, you should have more than that. Let me fix you a nice omelette."

Adelaine blinked. Her mother's face flashed before her offering the same loving scold. It vanished and she turned away, losing interest. "I see you have a police car outside, something wrong?"

"No, not really." Emily turned slightly. "That couple came in the police car. He's a Deputy in Dempster. That's a small town some miles from here. He's asking about that abandoned car they found down the highway the other night. Remember, from the news?"

"Is she a policewoman then?"

Emily grinned and bent closer. "I think she's his excuse to be out of town for a night." She winked and patted Adelaine's hand then swept away to her other guests. "And what about you folks?" She asked gliding up to Stan and Belinda.

Adelaine scanned the couple, settling on the man with an unexplainable angry scrutiny.

Stan put a hand on Emily's arm, a move he liked to use when he was being super sincere. "I wasn't really eavesdropping but could a fella talk you into the same as you offered that other lady? I really love a good omelette . . . with cheese and onion?" He grinned and Belinda sucked her teeth.

"Fellas can talk me into most anything these days," Emily winked.

"Please don't encourage him," Belinda moaned. "I'll have cereal, bacon, crisp and two eggs over lightly. And whole wheat toast."

"All you folks miss breakfast today?"

"Nope. Just happen to like morning food," Belinda said. "Oh, and could you bring a pot of coffee for the table please."

"That all?" Stan chided.

"I'm a big girl, Stanley . . . as I'm sure you've noticed." She flipped open a napkin and began fixing getting ready for her coffee.

Emily took the printed sheets and hastily left with a cheery promise of quick service.

"You should go and speak to the woman before she leaves."

"Belinda! We all just ordered breakfast, she ain't goin' anywhere yet."

"You'd never cut it as a reporter, Stan."

"Really. Well then since you are a reporter and apparently a policeman too, why don't you just go and get the information? You know what it's all about."

"Is that a challenge?"

He tipped his head, untroubled.

"Okay, you're on."

"Hey, I didn't make any wager here."

"I am." She stood and leaned down to his ear. "First choice of bedroom game if I get what you want without any trouble. If I don't . . ." She stood again, taking out her cell phone and squeezing his shoulder.