Rules of Fate

Chapter 17 - Where are we?

We had travelled god only knows how far. Scott wasn't exactly the most talkative of people, so most of the ride was spent in silence listening to the music on Scott's part whilst I periodically panicked about the rogue. I still hadn't figured it all out but I knew one thing; I had to get hold of Jack as soon as possible and avoid any more crazy cashiers at gas stations. I still wasn't fully convinced about that incident despite Scott's explanation, it just didn't gel. Just then a neon sign flashed up ahead in the gathering darkness and I turned to Scott.

'It's getting late, maybe we should stop for the night.'

He looked reluctant but took the turning anyway, glancing around the car park of the small motel suspiciously. I wasn't about to ask about his weird behaviour, each to his own. Inside I tried to make small talk with the heavy-eyed, depressed-looking receptionist who greeted us with a stony expression and grabbed the keys to two rooms. No offence to Scott, but I wasn't about to spend any more time with him and his secretive silence.

After bidding him a quick goodnight I rushed to my room on the second floor which looked eerily deserted. Inside the room was just above the point where it would have been designated for animals. The bed looked like a herd of elephants had tracked over it and the carpet was practically non-existent. Just a few threads placed strategically to show that one had existed in the distant past. I shuddered as I looked at the door leading to the en-suite bathroom. It probably needed more courage than I had at present to open that door, so I ignored it and looked around for the telephone. It was late, but I knew Jack's private cell phone number and it was only right to let him know what had happened. I picked up the receiver, holding my breath and praying fervently until I heard the dialling tone. Oh thank god, I thought, whooping while dialling feverishly.

Jack picked up on the second ring. 'Yes?'

'Jack, it's me.'

'Sam?' his voice dropped to a barely audible whisper.

'Right the first time,' I laughed.

'Where the hell have you been?'

I was taken aback by his accusatory tone. 'On a road trip with Scott. I tried to call before but...you won't believe the stuff that's been happening...'

'Sam, you have to get back now!'

'What?' I thought I hadn't heard him right. 'Back now? Why?'

'Coz you've been off the radar for so long,' he almost snapped, 'and I'm getting the brunt of it from Malcolm.'

Great, Malcolm knew I was off on a joy ride? Although to be honest "joy ride" was pushing what my situation really was into the realms of fantasy..

'Where are you?' he wanted to know.

'I have no idea,' I replied, looking around for clues, 'We've been driving...' I paused. What direction had Scott taken? My quip about heading to Canada had only made him laugh. I suddenly realised I had no idea where I was. 'I don't know!' I almost wailed into the phone.

Jack's breathing increased slightly. 'OK, keep your phone on and we'll track you on GPS.'

I pulled out my cell phone and almost groaned, the display was black, no charge and as luck would have it I had most likely forgotten the charger, in fact I was sure of it. 'Uh, it's dead.'

I heard the telltale whoosh of a heartfelt sigh and then, 'Call me when you can. We'll figure it out. And Sam...?'

'Yeah?'

'Be careful.' With that ominous sounding piece of advice the phone went silent.

Thanks for reading so far!  If you are enjoying this story please consider voting!!

Full book on Amazon.