Strike Back: The Journey

The Journey - Chapter 2

They rode south for six hours, stopping once for dinner and a bathroom break, snacking on the bags of trail mix as they drove. The scenery was breathtaking, the forests and mountains a welcome respite from the hot and dry African landscape they'd spent too much time in recently. More than once he saw Michael looking around him with that same content expression, and he wished he could pull out his phone and take a picture to capture it. Because contentment for soldiers was rare, and fleeting.

It was getting dark, and Damien scanned the road signs for a place to spend the night. They'd finish up their Alaskan journey with several more hours ride to Juneau in the morning to catch their flight to Seattle.

A few miles later Damien pointed to a billboard advertising the cozy and quaint Slumbering Bear Motel. Michael laughed and nodded and they took the next exit.

Ten minutes down the road they pulled into the parking lot and came to a stop in front of the motel's office. There were several cars and SUV's in the lot, most loaded down with luggage, boxes, mountain bikes attached to the back and even a canoe tied to their roofs.

"I've got it," Damien said as he shut off his engine and hopped off the motorcycle. Michael nodded and Damien walked inside the office.

An elderly couple was behind the counter and they greeted him with warm, friendly smiles.

"Welcome to the Slumbering Bear," the plump, gray-haired woman said. "How many rooms will you be needing?"

Damien hesitated for a brief second. Should he have asked Michael if he wanted his own room this time? Did his partner still want or need his close company? Damien took the chance that he did. Hoping that he did, as Damien found it was what he wanted.

"Just one," he replied, not realizing how that sounded.

There was a twinkle in the woman's eyes. "King bed?"

Damien's eyebrows shot up at her assumption. "Oh, no, no," he said hurriedly. "Two doubles, please."

She grinned and patted Damien's hand. "They're roomy," she winked.

Damien's eyes widened and he choked out a laugh as she turned to the older gentleman, who handed her a key, which she in turn gave to Damien.

"Room 12, around back," she said. "I'm Gladys and this is my husband, Walter. We're the owners, so if you or your friend need anything, you just let us know."

Damien adored Gladys and smiled brightly at her as he handed his credit card to Walter. "Absolutely, ma'am," he drawled, winking back and she blushed.

"You're all set, young man," Walter said, handing Damien back his credit card. "Enjoy your stay."

"We will," he grinned, then turned and walked out of the office, chuckling.

"What's so funny?" Michael asked as Damien came to a stop between their bikes.

Damien shook his head. "It's good to know that sometimes people can still surprise me." He held up the single key. "We're around the back. Room 12."

Damien waited to see if his partner would make a comment about the single room, but Michael only nodded and started up his motorcycle. "Sounds good," he replied and drove off slowly through the parking lot, Damien following a moment later.

They got themselves settled in short order, bringing in their duffels, Damien snagging the bottle of whiskey as well. He ran a washcloth over his face and neck while Michael opted for a quick shower. While his partner washed off the road dust, Damien opened the sliding glass door and stepped out onto the small cement patio, which held a single chair and tiny table. Just out from the patio was a grassy area where two empty picnic tables sat.