Sure you would have.
“Because they don’t sound like someone who lives here,” Eli said. “Most people here wouldn’t just kick you out unless they were sure that you had somewhere else to stay.”
“Um, right, it’s okay. It’s not a problem. I’ll figure something out.”
“Did you not have money for a hotel room?” Eli asked.
Good thinking. Maybe they could give her some and then move on their way with their consciences clear.
Yeah. That would work.
“I have enough money,” she said in a defensive voice.
Her fear seemed to be disappearing, her confidence growing. Either that or she was trying to mask it, to push it down deep.
“Then why are you in your car?” Eli asked. “The hotel has dog-friendly rooms.”
Although they might not be impressed with a dog whose stench reached up to the high heavens. Even Kellan’s nose wrinkled and he tried hard not to let outside factors affect him.
“Did he just fart?” Eli asked. “Or did the wind change?”
“Uh, it’s hard to tell,” the girl said. “It seems to be part of his . . . aroma. Maybe he rolled in something? I don’t think brown is his natural color. I tried to give him a bit of a wash, but it was difficult with just a small sink and no dog shampoo. Nothing was really open in town.”
No. Most things shut around five in this small-ass town. Unless you wanted a drink or some kink.
“Right,” Eli said, taking a step to the side. Kellan nearly snorted. His brother was obviously trying to find a spot to stand where the stench of dog wasn’t overwhelming.
“It will be easier to wash him in the hotel,” Eli stated.
She threw her hands up into the air. “Don’t you think I know that? The hotel doesn’t have any free rooms. I checked. I also rang around several more places in the next town and there was nothing. I could keep searching, but I’m tired and I don’t really like driving at night. So I thought I’d park here and see what I could find in the morning. Now, thank you very much for your concern, but I need to go back to sleep.”
“You’re not sleeping here,” Kellan said, making her jump.
Had she forgotten that he was there? He wanted to scold her. She needed to be more aware of her surroundings and who was in them.
He was dangerous and she shouldn’t be letting her guard down around him.
“Fine. I’ll drive to a different town.”
“Wait,” Eli said. “You’re not doing that either. You’re coming with us.”
She took a step back toward her car, finally seeming to show some self-preservation.
“What . . . what do you mean?” she asked nervously. “I don’t even know you guys. I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“First smart thing you’ve said,” Kellan replied.
“Kellan,” Eli warned.
“What? It is.”
“I don’t understand what the two of you want from me, but I’m not going anywhere with you. I’ll just get in my car and drive. Okay?”
Definitely nervous now.
“Freeze,” Kellan barked.
She froze. Satisfaction filled him as she obeyed.
