Chapter 6

“It sure is,” the clerk said. “Times are tough, traffic is down, and we’ve got rooms to fill.”

“We need a nonsmoking room with two beds and we’ll pay with cash.”

“No problem, Sir. I just need to see some ID.”

Chris handed the clerk his military ID and Irv produced his. The clerk looked at the IDs and said, “Why didn’t you say you were military? I can knock ten percent off the rate for military.”

“Thanks,” Chris said. “Every little bit helps.”

“Don’t you know it!” the clerk said.

“How long will it take us to get to Jacksonville tomorrow?” Chris said.

“Five hours, if you’re lucky.”

“If we’re lucky?”

“You know how it is on the interstate, especially I-95. Traffic can slow down to a crawl at a moment’s notice, and often for no particular reason. I’ve heard that I-75 between Atlanta and Florida is just as bad.”

“Yeah, well, we don’t have to report in right away.”

“Report where? If you don’t mind my asking.”