Secrets

Prologue

Rain pelted the windshield, the wipers barley able to keep up, as the '70 Chevelle raced down the deserted highway. Lightning streaked across the sky, as thunder reverberated the atmosphere.

In the car, a young woman drummed her hands against the steering wheel, to the beat of classic rock, blaring through her car's speakers. With a lit cigarette between her lips, she inhaled the toxic smoke, before tossing it out the cracked window.

Glancing down at the dash, the analogue clock glowed green reading 1:30am. "Shit." She mumbled to herself, "Didn't even realize it was that late."

With a sigh, the young brunette figured she drove far enough for one night; decided the next town she would come across, would be the one she would be staying the night in.

A short while later, she pulled off the interstate, towards a quaint little town. The town only had one traffic light, in its center; and one gas station, which was already closed for the night.

Once she spotted an Inn, she turned left, into the mostly desolate parking lot. Cutting the engine off, she plucked her duffle bag from the passenger seat, and exited the vehicle.

As she entered the lobby of the motel, she immediately noticed the stench of stale, cheap perfume and cologne. With the attempt to ignore the odor, she walked over to the front desk, where an old woman, with frayed red hair, and matching lipstick, sat behind.

Without lifting her eyes, the old woman asked, "Checking in, or just visiting a client?"

Squinting her eyes, and running her tongue over her teeth, the young lady replied, "Checking in, if that's alright with you."

With an unimpressed scoff, the old woman began typing on her outdated computer, "How long will your stay be?"

"Only for the night."

"I'll need to see an ID and a card that I can put on file." The woman stated, finally looking up at the young brunette.

Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her driver's license and credit card, and slid them across the dusty counter.

The old woman took the license and credit card and began typing on the computer; entering her information, into the system.

"So, what brings you from the sunshine state, Ms. Olivia Summers?" She asked, handing the cards back to the young woman.

Placing the cards back into her pocket, she sighed, "It's a long and dull story. Now, can I have my key, please? I have a long drive tomorrow."

The old redhead rolled her eyes, and handed Olivia a bronze key, "Room 214. Enjoy your stay."

Once she located her room on the second floor, Olivia unlocked the door and entered the murky room. With a deep breath, she turned and locked the door; not that it would do any good, if they were still searching for her. Setting her duffle bag on the small office desk, Olivia reached to behind her back and pulled her 9mm out of its holster and sat it on the nightstand.

I just need a few hours of sleep. Then, I can get further away.

Laying down on the lumped mattress, Olivia fell into a fitful sleep.