"It's too late to catch a decent train," Tom said, leading Mary quickly through the deserted streets. "So would you like to get a different hotel, or just meander around till dawn?"
She laughed weakly. "You don't even have to ask. Let's get a hotel. Preferably one that doesn't ask inconvenient questions."
He grinned. "It'll be a seedy one then. I hope you're prepared, my lady." He squeezed her arm.
She raised an eyebrow. "Well, you know me. Always up for an adventure."
They continued down the narrowing street for some time before approaching a dimly-lit, vaguely grubby hotel. Mary's nose crinkled upon seeing its smoky exterior, but resignedly accompanied Tom through its dark doorway.
He tapped a bell sharply at the desk, awakening the drowsy employee. "How many rooms do you have available?" he inquired gruffly, tilting his hat to obscure his face, and Mary mirrored him, drawing her scarf across her nose and mouth, disguising her personage.
"Just the one. It's been a busy night." The clerk leered.
Tom protectively moved his hand from Mary's arm to her waist. Her heart fluttered mysteriously in her chest for a millisecond. "I'll take it. How much?"
The man grabbed a key from the desk and stretched out a grimy hand. "Two pounds. Top floor, room twelve. Be out by ten."
Tom silently made the exchange and the pair rushed up the stairs, leaving the clerk to his nap.
