Part 44 (2/2)
”The reason they gave me is because they think that the creature can bypa.s.s border security and they view that as a threat to national security. They need to plug the leak, so to speak.”
Joey sighed. ”So that's why they're out there?”
”According to them. Whether or not they're telling the truth remains to be seen.”
”Yeah, well, I don't suppose they told you why they saw fit to kill Cheehawk, did they?”
”They claimed they didn't do it.”
”Of course they did. Cowards. I swear, it sometimes seems that people need protecting from from the government, not the government, not by by the government. Biggest bunch of reckless psychos, I tell you.” the government. Biggest bunch of reckless psychos, I tell you.”
”I don't necessarily disagree with you,” Annja said. ”But for right now, we've got to figure out what to do about them. I've already got one obsessive person to deal with. I don't need a couple of gun-toting government lackeys obsessing over a mythical creature, as well.”
Joey stood and walked to Annja's door and opened it. Outside was a neat pile of clean clothes. He stooped and brought them over to Annja. ”You should get dressed, first of all. I'll go and knock on Jenny's door.”
”How do you know which room she's staying in?”
Joey smirked. ”You two are the only guests here. Shouldn't be too hard to find her and, knowing Sheila, she probably put her across the hall.”
Annja smiled. ”Okay, I'll see you downstairs in five?”
”Good.”
Joey slipped out of her room, closing the door without making a sound. Annja smirked and then quickly got dressed before Joey somehow managed to get back into her room and grab a quick eyeful of her birthday suit.
She walked toward the window. Through a gap in the curtains she could see the sun sinking toward the horizon. She took a deep breath, sucking in the last tendrils of lavender and then opened the door to the hall.
Downstairs, she found Joey sitting at a table talking with Sheila. Sheila looked up as Annja approached. ”Sleep well?”
”Eventually, yes. The bed's incredibly comfortable.”
Sheila smiled. ”Hungry?”
Annja shrugged. ”You know, not just yet. I think Jenny, Joey and I are going to take a walk around town. We'll be back later on.”
Sheila nodded. ”Door stays open until ten o'clock.”
Jenny appeared behind Annja. ”Wow, did I need that. I feel like a new woman.”
Joey smiled. ”You look pretty good, too.”
”Thanks.”
Annja stretched and yawned. ”We all set?”
They left the hotel and wandered down the main street. Jenny walked alongside Annja. ”So what's the plan?”
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