I got behind the wheel, turned the key, and pushed the heater dial all the way up.

I passed the Fairview Savings branch where Richard worked.

The big glass windows were dark, but the ATM screen glowed brightly in the rain.

I kept my foot on the gas.

I drove us straight out to the Route Nine Motel on the far edge of town, past the closed gas stations and the empty strip malls.

The red neon vacancy sign buzzed loudly through the heavy downpour, casting a pink glow over the cracked asphalt of the empty parking lot.

I parked near the front office and left the engine running while Ethan watched the empty road behind us.