A Few Wrong Turns

7

It was dark when Henry finally stopped the truck. Tory had fallen asleep with her head against Will's shoulder.

"Will," Henry whispered.

He looked out the window. "We're here?"

"Not quite. This is as far as I can take you two. See that street?" he pointed. "That road will take you straight to the county you're looking for. Then you can ask someone where the Midnight Hotel is."

Will gently shook Tory and whispered, "Tory, wake up. Come on. We've got to go."

Tory wiped her eyes and yawned. "Where are we?" Will waited until she sat her head up and he got out of the truck. Then he turned and took her hand to help her out. She held his hand as she jumped down, her eyes barely open. "What time is it?"

"Eight-thirty. We better get going if we're going to make it to the hotel by morning."

"No," Henry said, getting out of the truck. Will could see just how tall Henry was. For an older man, he looked strong for a truck driver. "I don't want you two walking out here all night. See that motel on the side of the road? Stay there for the night."

"Thanks, Henry, but we can't afford it." Will told him while staring at the blue motel sign. It didn't look like much, but it was a place to rest after the day they had.

"You can afford this one. I own it with my family. Just tell them I said to give you a room for the night."

"You don't have to do that." Tory said.

Henry smiled. "I want to. You two are nice people when you're not fighting." He looked at his watch. "Well, I better get back on the road. Hope you two reach your destination in time."

"Bye Henry. Thank you." Tory waved until he drove away, then turned to Will, still drowsy. "Ok. I completely missed all that. Where are we and where are we going?"

Will grinned. "We're going to that motel over there." he pointed.

Tory moaned. "Ok. Great. Fantastic." She yawned. "Carry me."

"I don't think so. I remember what happened the last time I tried to carry you when you went to sleep. You woke up and swung your elbow in my face. You broke my nose and I-"

She moaned again, rubbing her eyes. "Dropped me on the floor and I twisted my ankle. Yes. We can go down memory lane later. Right now, I really need you to carry me. Please. Please, Will?" Tory whined.

Will grunted, rolled up his sleeves, and put Tory's arm over his shoulder. "Lean." He ordered. She did, and he lifted her legs, cradled her into his arms, and carried her into the motel lobby.

A dark-skinned woman with long braids was seated behind the desk. Before he could open his mouth, the woman pointed to Tory and asked, "Is she dead?"

"No. But she feels like it." He groaned, adjusting his grip.

"You two look like you've been in an accident."

He caught sight of his reflection. They looked worn out and their clothes dirty. "Do you know Henry?"

"Yea, he's my husband."

"He gave us a ride here. Said you might be able to help us out for the night."

The woman sighed tiredly. "That sounds like him. He's always doing the right thing. I just wish the right thing would make us some money occasionally." She got up and turned on the computer on the desk. "One room or two?" she looked from him to Tory.