CHARLIE
Continuing My Journey
Iwake the next morning and I feel like I slept on the floor all night. My body is stiff, and my stomach is churning. I should have eaten last night. I sit up on the side of the bed and then I feel that dry feeling in my mouth and I am up and running for the toilet. I barely make it when all the contents of my stomach come up. I pull my hair to one side to keep it free of the projectile vomit that keeps coming. I want to flop down on the floor, but it is too nasty. I think the nausea has passed and I grab a washcloth, wet it, and wipe my face off. I flush the toilet and walk back to my bag and grab my toothbrush. I brush my teeth and take care of all my bathroom needs. I put my toothbrush away, change my clothes, and put on deodorant. In Texas, it’s a must. I leave the motel room and make it to the bank just as they are opening.
I circle the bank a couple of times to make sure there is no one waiting for me. I trust Quinton but better to be too careful than not careful enough. I don’t like driving this truck where someone might see it. It doesn’t take long inside the bank and then I know it’s time to find a drive-thru to get something to eat even if it’s just a hash brown and some warm tea.
I feel much better after I have eaten, and I feel my phone vibrate. I look at the incoming call and it’s Louie. Quinton is still trying to help me by contacting Louie. It seems Louie is early which works out for me. I head to our meeting place.
The exchange goes smoothly. I know as soon as I get out of Texas, I will need to buy another vehicle and ship this truck home. I will need to change my identity again. Louie had the bright idea of using my mother’s maiden name as a cover for me. It’s too easy for anyone to find me. Not a smart idea. I am now Eve Copeland. Copeland was my mom’s maiden name.
As soon as I pull into Bossier City, I find a place to ship freight and send Jake’s truck home. Then I take an Uber to a clean hotel where I can wash the day away and try to get some better sleep. I need to plan my next week out. If I don’t go anywhere I have ever been to, or anywhere I have ever mentioned to anyone, I should be good. I also need to steer clear of any towns with a chapter of the Rival Sins MC in it. I just need rest to clear my head and a balanced meal. I just hope my nausea doesn’t rear its nasty head again today.
The rest is exactly what the doctor ordered, and the hot shower helps too. My head is clear, and I decide to ride the bus to Alabama. I know when Jake’s truck arrives home, they’ll trace the shipping company, so I need to put some distance between me and this city. Montgomery, Alabama will be small enough to find a nice used vehicle and big enough that no one will be paying any attention to me. I can get lost for a while. I have kept to myself and not spoken to anyone since I spoke to Louie except when I had to, and my only splurge was the one-night stay in a good hotel.
I catch an Uber to the bus station and forty-five minutes later, I am on my way. It was time Eve Copeland started her new life. I know using this name isn’t smart, but it gives me some comfort.
Chapter Eleven
CHARLIE
What An Adventure
The bus ride was everything I expected. I did manage to get a few hours of sleep and I was left alone for most of the ride.
When we arrived in Montgomery, it was a bright sunshiny morning. I am thankful it’s not raining. I know I need a motel room that isn’t too expensive but is safe. I also need to find me a vehicle. The sooner I quit using an Uber and find a small town around Montgomery that has employment, the better. Big towns are nice to lose yourself in but not good to stay in for any length of time. Everyone expects plastic and wants to see your identification card. I need a smaller place so I can rent on a month-to-month basis and find employment that pays in cash. One thing at a time.
I wave down an Uber and go to the closest Holiday Inn. The younger looking man drops me off in front of the motel and as soon as he is out of sight, I hail another driver to take me across town to a Ramada Inn. I’m covering my trail again.
I walk into the hotel and check in for two nights. That should be plenty of time for what I need. I notice a newspaper machine by the front door and buy one.
As soon as I am checked in and get to my room, I drop my bags and head to the bathroom. Everything looks nice. I go back and check the beds for comfort. I look at the menus in the room, wanting either takeout or delivery. I order something to be delivered and then take a hot shower. I wish I could stay under the hot water for a long time, but I have things to take care of. I get out and towel off. I go through my bags and find something to wear and to grab my toothbrush. I have time to take care of all my needs in the bathroom and start to blow dry my hair. I look at my hair and know I need to change my appearance. I’ll do that tomorrow. I’ve never been too concerned about my looks but cutting my hair again makes me sad. I had to keep it short in the military and I wasn’t a fan. Oh well, it’s only hair. I don’t have long to think on it before I hear a knock on my door. I look out the peephole and see it’s the food delivery. I get my food and down it. I was hungry and wasn’t even aware of it. I look at the bed and I know it’s a losing battle. I need sleep. I decide I will just nap and then get back up and scour the newspaper for a vehicle. Then I need to find a map to see where I will go next.
I know it’s time to change phones again. I am tempted to call home, but I know better. I just need to keep pushing myself and as soon as I am more settled, I need to see a doctor. I am glad that I hadn’t had the chance to tell Duke I was carrying his child yet or he would chase me into hell to follow me and take what is his. This child is mine and I won’t let him or her be a bargaining chip for the club no matter how much I love my family. My main objective now is to protect what is mine. I know there will come a day when I will need to face Duke, but I have a about eight months to come up with a better plan. Tomorrow while I am out in this big city, I need to pick up some vitamins. I’ll add that to my list.
The rest of the day I try to rest and look through the newspaper. I find a couple of leads on some vehicles. Tomorrow will be another full day.
Chapter Twelve
CHARLIE
Listen to Wise People
Iwake up with a clear head and decide it is time to get out of this bed and get things done. I look at my watch and it is a little after nine. I’m surprised I slept so long. The sun is shining through the slits in the curtain. I get out of bed and I think my morning sickness was more nerves because I feel fine this morning. I take care of my morning routine and I am ready to face this day.
I step outside my motel room. I was right, it’s a beautiful day. I look around the motel and I see a small diner across the road and decide that will be where I start.
The diner smells amazing as I walk in. I see everyone is seating themselves, so I go and find a booth. I go toward the back but where I can still see outside. There’s an elderly man sitting in the booth across from me. I sit down and grab the menu. It’s not long before a waitress is at my booth.
“Morning, what can I get you or do you need a few to look over the menu?” The woman is to the point and I like that.
“Two scrambled eggs and dry toast. Do you have any fresh fruit?” The woman looks at me like I am crazy.
“The closest to fresh fruit this place has seen is orange or apple juice.” I look at the waitress. She looks bored and tired.
“Apple juice, please.” I hear the man in the booth across from me laughing under his breath. I look at him and he winks at me. The woman turns and goes back toward the kitchen.
“Don’t mind Wanda, she’s needed a vacation for the last ten years. You’re new around these parts. Be less nice, it’s what she’s used to. She’ll warm up to you.” I haven’t spoken to many people on my trip and there is something about this man that puts me at ease.