At Your Service (Book Two)

Chapter 14: Troubles Awaken

Swift walked for miles. Or at least, it felt like so for him. It's almost like he's been walking for hours and hours. He just fell off a speeding truck, it's more than certain that his legs are sore, not to mention the rest of his body is full of scrapes and bruises from the stunt he just pulled off. Speaking of which, he could only think that the convoy is out of the border by now, so his mission is considered an absolute failure.

While he continued to torment himself by keeping his pace restlessly, the morning sun also wasn't helping at all. He didn't complain, however, knowing there was nothing he can do about it. The only option available is wandering the freeway in a straight line hoping to stumble on any sort of roadside establishment like a gas station.

As he's trying to reach the diner, a helicopter flew past far above his head, flying towards the same direction as he's walking. Its shadow and the loud sound of its blades spinning caught his attention. If only he could call out for it and ask for it to bring him to the nearest civilization. He squinted his eyes because the sun hurting them while he looked up at the departing helicopter.

He knew he didn't have to worry that long anymore when the far-away roadside diner, as implied by the tall sign that marks its location, drew closer and closer to him. He limped towards the diner in hopes of finding a vehicle he can use to get back to the motel as soon as possible. Who knows what Vicência is up to while he's doing all of this?

Wait. Vicência. He just remembered. Swift reached for his phone that he for sure recalled storing in his pocket. He contemplated that if he did bring it, why doesn't he feel any weight in his pockets? He gritted his teeth realizing he left it at the motel by accident, so there was no hope of contacting Vicência without having to go back to the motel.

No worries. Swift shook his head trying to cool himself off, which would be easy if it wasn't for the sun hovering over him, burning him. He felt calm knowing there are vehicles parked in the diner's parking lot. For him, it felt weird that he would be committing vehicle theft twice in a day. It's not as extreme as killing a major figure in the criminal underworld, but it is still weird for Swift.

While Swift is drowning in his introspection, he didn't realize it would help him ignore his struggle of having to walk to the diner. He had the choice to step into the establishment and get a small drink but decided not to. After all, what he required was already in front of his eyes.

But, Swift accepted that he couldn't just choose a random car. He had to choose wisely. He doesn't know who each car belongs to. If he could know, the crossover car parked at the far left of the lot may be owned by a family of a married couple and two kids. Out of all the vehicles that caught his interest, the colorful-liveried dirtbike would be his final choice.

Swift immediately rushed for the motorbike. He couldn't think of any reason not to steal the vehicle. Plus, it's an easy vehicle to take over without its keys. After taking a seat and getting comfortable with it, he popped a protective case out after finding it, exposing bundled-up wires. It's a good thing Allison gave him carjacking lessons back in the day, and he listened to her voice speaking in his head about connecting the two separate circuits.

Once the bike started with a loud motor engine sound, he immediately took his leave out of the parking lot, knowing the sound most likely attracted the owner who could be hanging out in the diner.

When Swift arrived at the motel, he drove the bike into the parking lot and immediately ditched it, not caring if its engine didn't stop completely, or that it was parked correctly. The moment it halted, he jumped off, letting the vehicle fall on its side.

He was also grateful that the biker whose motorcycle he stole was absent from the last time he saw him. Hopefully, it stays that way until Swift and Vicência can take their leave. He heads to the stairs that lead to the second floor, where their room were. After passing by two other rooms, he reaches his.