The Viking Seal

CHAPTER 7 - A Competitive Scent

"So what do you think of them after spending a whole day together?" Gretta stood in the bathroom door towelling her hair. They had taken a hasty meal in the motel snack bar and then split up and retired for the night, taking turns luxuriating in the shower. "I like Mel."

"They're okay, I guess. We haven't really explored that much about one another." The motel room contained two large, double beds, and was on the short end of an L-shaped building with a double window overlooking the frozen expanse of Lake Tamiskaming across to the Quebec border. Arny lay on the bed nearest the door, propped up against the headboard, flipping through a brochure.

"I just think it's so strange we all got together under such similar circumstances."

"How long is this thing going to take?" He changed the subject to one concerning his being away from work.

"Not long I don't think. A few days . . . maybe more. Depends on how lucky we are at the bookstore." She padded back into the bathroom and returned with a brush, resuming her post by the door. "How about going up to the office and getting some potato chips or something, we'll watch a movie?"

"You just ate a little while ago. Aren't you tired from all that driving?" He sat up and slid off the bed, tucking in his shirt.

"If I fall asleep, I fall asleep. And don't be my dietician, okay? Try and get something spicy." She returned to the bathroom and shut the door.

"Yes ma'am. Yes boss. Right away your Highness."

"You say something?" She called.

"Nope. Be right back."

He slipped on his jacket and boots and stepped out into the black, crisp night. The temperature must have dropped fifteen degrees, and he complained silently as his boots squeaked along the walkway in front of the rooms. He stopped at the door to Stone's room and knocked.

"High. What's up? Brrr, Jesus, step inside."

"Nah, I'm just going up to get some snacks. Gretta wants to watch a movie. I just wondered if you wanted anything."

"Thanks but I don't think so. Mel's already sound asleep."

"Oops, I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. Thanks again. See you in the morning." Arny waved goodnight and trundled off to the office.

Kenny sat up out of slouch and lifted the newspaper up to cover his face when Arnold entered the snack bar. He knew Moira would take him apart if he tipped his mitt in any way. The only reason he was there was because the motel they were in didn't have any extras, and he fancied a late night coffee and some pie.

Arnold wandered over and studied a rack of junk food, bending to peer at the ingredients and fuss over making a selection. He chose two large bags of Miss Vickie's Onion and Pepper and dug out his wallet.

"Eight-fifty, please." The young woman minding the cash announced.

"For two bags?"

"Yes. Includes tax."

"What kind, income?" He dropped a ten on the counter and looked around in disgust. His eyes locked for a moment with the pair peeping over the newspaper and Arnold felt a tickle on his neck.

"Here's your change." The young woman pushed it across the counter and stared with studied boredom as he gathered it and his purchase together.

Arnold paused at the door and looked back at the man in the booth, this time catching him turning away quickly. The tickle grew to an uncomfortable itch.

****

"Getting cold out?" Gretta sat on the bed with her legs folded beneath her rump, aiming the remote at the TV.