The Engine What Runs the World: Chapter 3, Page 5 (Unedited)

“You sure you wouldn’t want to stay for dinner?” Paul asked, “Season is an excellent cook.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Smoke said with a grin as he looked Paul up and down, “I really should be going though.”

“This is Smoke Callahan,” Season said to her husband, “He’s investigating that girl Blue who stayed here last week.”

A look of surprise flashed across Paul’s face, “Is she alright?” he asked showing concern.
“As far as I know she’s alright,” Smoke said as his smile disappeared, “Though I am just trying to confirm, and bring her home.”

“Would you at least like to take a look at her room?” Paul asked.

“Your wife said you allow people to hold up for a night all the time. I don’t think I’d be able to find anything. Besides, I already know where she was headed.”

“Nobody’s been here since she left.” Paul said as he removed his boots, “Please, feel free to check the place out, you might find something anyway.”

Smoke shrugged as he moved from the doorway to the kitchen. He followed Paul to Blue’s room. He didn’t think to ask if anyone else had stayed, though why would he. The admittance that people stay here often had already told him he’d not find anything concrete. He still didn’t think he’d find anything. Blue was a smart girl and would have made sure to have not forgotten anything. Besides, he already had a direction. She was going to the underground, at least the first floor to what he knew. If she was hiding there he’d find her quickly. If not he’d have a bit more of a job ahead of him.
The room Blue had slept in for a night was pretty bare. The bed had been made and everything looked clean. “Have either of you been here since her departure?” Smoke asked casually.

Paul shook his head, “No, she made the bed and did all the cleaning herself. She was probably one of the best who’ve ever stayed here.”

Smoke nodded lacking any sort of surprise. She had been born in the higher classes so she’d have been taught manners at a young age. While she would have had someone make her bed and clean up after her she’d have known how to behave in polite company.

He scratched the back of his head and brushed his fingers through his hair as he walked from the room. “There was nothing in there,” Smoke said.

“I guess this was a waste of your time then,” Paul said hanging his head, “I’m sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry for,” Smoke said with a smile as he tried to reassure the man, “It was worth a look. It was something I didn’t think to do or even ask about.”

“Well, okay then,” Paul said with a smile.