Chapter 22: No-Tell Motel

A/N I think for now I'll upload twice a week(this book). Depending on where you live, it'll be Sunday/Monday and Wednesday/Thursday.

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Ethan and Claire found themselves in front of a building on the town's outskirts, the sky darkening with each passing moment. Towering above them, a neon-lit sign proclaimed the establishment as the 'No-Tell Motel.'

"Sounds shady," Claire remarked.

"What do you mean, shady?" Ethan quirked an eyebrow.

Claire shrugged. "I mean, doesn't it feel like this place is a hotspot for, well, less than savory activities?"

Ethan chuckled. "You've got quite an imagination, Claire."

Claire snorted. "What? I'm just thinking like a typical college girl."

Rolling his eyes, Ethan said, "Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night. Come on."

They made their way to the motel's entrance, pushing open the door to reveal a lone woman behind the reception counter, engrossed in her work.

"Excuse me," Claire began, leaning in. "We need a room."

The woman's gaze shifted from her paperwork to the two of them. "How many?"

"Uh... just one?" Claire hesitated, glancing at Ethan who remained silent. "One."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Twin beds or a double?"

Claire pondered for a moment. "Which one's cheaper?"

The woman sighed. "Take your pick. Planning to fuck or not? No need to dilly-dally, lady."

"Wow, what great customer service…" Claire sighed, annoyed. "Fine, twin beds, please."

"You two are a strange pair," the woman muttered as she grabbed a key from nearby and placed it on the counter. "Six bucks."

Ethan stepped forward, handing over the cash, and the woman returned his change. He took the key and turned away, with Claire following.

Exiting the reception, they checked the room number.

"069," Ethan muttered.

"You know, I'm convinced this place is a rendezvous for escorts and their clients," Claire grumbled. "Just look at that receptionist, making assumptions and all."

Ethan chuckled. "So, I'm the client, and you're the escort?"

Claire scoffed. "Actually, it's the other way around. You've got the looks of a gigolo with how handsome you are, and I look like a socially awkward college girl seeking an unconventional adventure."

"Good lord," Ethan sighed. "You really have a vivid imagination."

"What?" she smirked. "You asked for it."

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It was midnight, and Ethan and Claire lay on separate beds, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. The constant sounds of moans echoed from the rooms next door, above, and below.

"What's wrong with this town..." Claire muttered irritably, using pillows to cover her ears. "How many people ordered escorts?"

"Well, judging by the noise, quite a few," Ethan sighed.

"Ugh." Claire tossed her pillow aside in frustration, then stood up and walked to a chair near the bathroom. "Let's just talk. I'm not going to sleep like this."

Hearing Claire's suggestion, Ethan sat up and leaned against the wall behind him. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Your abilities. That gas thingy," she said. "Can't you use it to steal a car or something?"

"That's a good point, Claire, but this is a small town," Ethan explained. "If a car goes missing or gets used by someone other than its owner, it'll be noticed, even if the owner hasn't realized it yet."

"Aren't you being a bit paranoid?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe, but do you want to deal with the consequences if it goes south?" Ethan asked rhetorically. "We're walking on thin ice here."

"That's the point. The faster we act, the safer we are, right? Who cares if we take someone's car?" Claire argued.

"The issue is your brother," Ethan sighed. "We need to stay here for six weeks, but we also need a car to get him to the hospital. Like I said, if we use someone else's car here, it'll probably get noticed, especially by the sheriff, not to mention, it'll leave a lot of traces."

"True," Claire murmured. "So, what's the plan? You check the scrapyard for a car that needs minimal fixing, and if there's nothing, we resort to stealing?"

Ethan shrugged. "Sounds like a plan."

"Hmm... what else?" The moans had subsided, and Claire's thoughts drifted.

Ethan chuckled at her contemplation. "Hey, don't worry too much. We have plenty of time to complete this 'mission'."

"You're taking this rather lightly," Claire observed. "I mean, the government's probably after us, and you're not scared?"

"Well, 'scared' is a strong word," Ethan shrugged. "How about you? Are you scared?"

"A little," Claire admitted. "But it's also kind of thrilling, isn't it? Like being in a spy movie."

"A spy movie?" Ethan laughed. "You've been watching too much James Bond."

"What? It's true, it's exciting," Claire said. "Although, I do miss college life a bit."

"It's only been a few days, Claire."

"Since we left that town? Yeah, but I left my college long before that," Claire sighed. "I miss my friends, my classes, the peace... and I probably won't be going back anytime soon."

"You can't be sure of that," Ethan reassured her. "Maybe we can strike a deal with SHIELD or something, go back to your old life like nothing happened."

Claire rolled her eyes. "You know we can't do that, Ethan. Even if SHIELD protects us, who's to say other problems won't arise?"

Claire noticed the surroundings had finally quieted, the moans no longer audible.

"Looks like they're done, the clients have cummed," Claire giggled at her own joke. She lay back down on her bed, facing away from Ethan. "I'm going back to sleep."

As Claire settled into her bed, Ethan sighed and followed suit, preparing for the day ahead.