The Zero Game

41

“So can I get you a room?” the woman behind the motel’s front desk asked.

“Actually, I’m just looking for my friends,” Janos replied. “Have you seen-”

“Doesn’t anyone just want to rent a room anymore?”

Janos cocked his head slightly to the side. “Have you seen my friends — a white guy and a young black girl?”

The woman cocked her head right back. “Those’re your friends?”

“Yes. They’re my friends.”

The woman was suddenly quiet.

“They’re my friends from work — we were supposed to fly in together last night, but I got delayed and-” Janos cut himself off. “Listen, I got up at four A.M. for my flight this morning. Now are they upstairs or not? We’ve got a big day ahead of us.”

“Sorry,” the woman said. “They already checked out.”

Janos nodded. He figured as much, but he had to be sure. “So they’re already up there?” he added, pointing at the tall triangular building at the top of the hill.

“Actually, I thought they said they were headed to Mount Rushmore first.”

Janos couldn’t help but grin. Nice try, Harris.

“They left over an hour ago,” the woman added. “But if you hurry, I’m sure you can catch them.”

Nodding to himself, Janos stayed locked on the headframe as he headed for the door. “Yeah… I’m sure I can.”