The Talla

Inn

"A'ight kids yer better be movin', adventure awaits." says Jerry as he opens the door of the bus for the two of them.

Paul hands Jerry a few bills and gets out of the bus saying "Thanks Jerry!"

"Ain't a problem lads!" answered Jerry

They get out of the bus. Crest filled with luggage strapped around him like pack mule.

"Oi kid, don't forget about the pub that I told ya." said Jerry referring to the card he handed Crest

"Sure thing." answered Crest

As they head towards the bus sign on the side of the road, Paul waves Jerry goodbye.

The two then proceed to see the view Riverdale had in store for them. The lush trees at almost every corner of the street with the regular sound of the birds building their nests for the summer. Lamp posts that seemed rather old for a town that just renewed its roads and the casual small buildings that surrounded the place. Not too shabby for a small town.

The atmosphere was welcoming as if the two were assigned for a vacation rather than an assignment. Crest felt as though this was a good place start getting his mind off of Cyndia.

Irritated by the bags strapped around him, he grabs one and throws it at Paul thinking he should at least be carrying his bags. Paul looked at Crest and knew what he meant and smiled at him.

"Dude, need a hand with those bags?" asked Paul pointing his finger at the bags Crest was carrying.

"Ya think?" answered Crest sarcastically as he throws another at Paul

"You don't have to be mad, just hand me my bags man." 

"Alright" as Crest hands down two more of Paul's bags

"Did I really carry this much?" Paul exclaimed as he realized that Crest only brought a single bagpack for the trip

"Alright now, so where are we staying?' asked Crest, having bee relieved from Paul's bags.

"We're heading to Santa Basilia Inn, right across the street." answered Paul as he tries to strap all his bags around him.

"Let's go." said Crest as he walks straight across the road leaving Paul behind

"Hey, wait, these bags are killing me." said Paul as he follows Crest

They head to the inn. Looking at it from the front, it seemed like a huge dome  surrounded by lights and a sign that attracts even the smallest beetles to it. It was grand but still not something worthy of at least a three-star rating.

The doors open and they head for the counter as one of  the bell boys grab their bags. Knowing that they were journalists for the Daily Cornic which was one of Santa Basilia's greatest customers when it came to overnight stays.

"Mr. Lin?" asked  counter

"So, you already know?" asked Paul back

"Yes, Mrs. Boyard already told me about your arrival." answered the counter "Ratch, show them room 315." 

"Yes, Ms. Lindy" answered the bell boy "Follow me." he added as the brings their luggage upstairs to their room.

Paul began to lean on the counter and smiled at Ms. Lindy

"Oh, so you're Ms. Lindy? Mind if I-"

"Paul, we don't have time for that. Let's go, now." said Crest as points down the floor

Ms. Lindy giggled at Paul and slid him a card at the counter.

"My shift ends at 10." smiled Ms. Lindy

Crest and Paul follow him through the elevator of the place and got to room 315 of the inn

"We're here." said the bell boy as Paul opens the door.

A bright burst of light almost blinded the two as the door was opened. They were amazed at what they saw.

The room they had wasn't an ordinary one. It was the best the inn could offer. Two big bedrooms, a jacuzi at the side and a huge living room. A place fit for a king. Paul was at awe and proceeded to run straight for the jacuzi. Taking off his clothes and dove in an instant.

Crest was rather gentle when he saw the place and just laid on the couch in the living room. The bell boy then laid their bags near the bedroom's door as Crest started to turn on the TV.

"Everything accounted for sir?" asked the bell boy

"Well, it does seem kinda too nice." Crest scans the place "Here, take this." said Crest as he hands down a few bills to the boy.

"Thanks sir." said the bell boy as he leaves "Just ring when you need me." he adds before closing the door.

"It seems awefully nice for Mrs. Boyard to give us this nice room for our assignment." said Paul as he lets ou steam in the jacuzi

"Yeah, too nice that its kinda scary when you think about it." answered Crest as he was looking at the window as he pops in some medication for headache

"Man, you taking drugs now?" asked Paul as he saw Crest take the tablet

"No. I just have a slight headache from the bus. You hit my head way too hard in waking me up." Crest answered as he rubs his forehead

"Hey, how about we go around town tonight, see the views of Riverdale before we hit the hay." Paul suggested

"I don't know man. I'm a bit tired from traveling and all." said Crest as he looks at the pill's label before he shoved it back his pocket.

"You've been asleep the whole time we traveled. C'mon just for once man." said Paul as he stands up to grab a towel to dry himself up. "Y'know to forget about this long week we've had."

Crest stared into the night as he smiles a bit.

"Yeah, maybe I know a place where we can enjoy for a while." said Crest as he pulls out from his wallet the card that Jerry gave him.