"Good aftrernoon!" Alex strode into the parking lot. Luckily, it was no longer as deserted as it was this morning. Strangely, as counselors decided to stay, their cars would begin to appear. Alex could already pin down two, an older convertible that belonged to Todd and a surf wagon that was no doubt Grayson's ride. When had the otter decided? Must have missed it in this new worry. He'd need to have a talk with him.
Marie looked up with some relief on her face. "Sorry if I'm trespassing! I seem to have popped one of my tires." She was already moving around to the trunk. "I'll just get it changed out and be on my way in no time." Although in her late forties, Marie had aged well unlike her husband. A few greys in her hair and fine lines belied her age, but she was still in shape. "Liam, I'm going to need your help."
Liam had gotten out now, too, shoving his phone in his pocket. He had long mousey brown hair that got into his eyes, and an average build. Not athletic, but without too many extra pounds either. The kid was just not someone who stood out.
"Uhg, it's flat, too." Marie said as she walked back to the car, and reached in to grab her own phone. She looked over to Alex. "Do you know a number for the local tow place."
"Reception here sucks." Liam eyed Alex in an odd way, especially Alex's hair. He was somewhat used to the badger stripes getting odd looks. He liked to mess with people that way anyway.
"It's better near the road." Alex said as he hugged his clipboard to his chest. He rattled off a number for Marie and she dialed it in before taking the slight hike back up to the roadside.
"Stay here, Liam. Don't move." The teen sighed and leaned back up against the car. His eyes kept sliding to Alex though. No.. not curious. Checking him out. Alex had been on the end of that look enough to figure it out. So, Todd's son was gay, or at least bi, Alex wondered if he had come out to his parents, affected Todd's change in a way in wanting to understand his son. It was peculiar what could prompt certain changes.
"What brings you guys out here anyway?" Alex asked to break up the silence. "Not much around these parts."
"Mom thinks my dad is missing. I think he just got bored of his life and ran off. I don't blame him." Liam definitely had the moody teen thing going on. "They've been getting along less and less every year. Few more years and I can be on my own," The teen said with a look towards where his mother went. Then seemed to realize he said to much and gave Alex a little glower.
Alex was about to offer some advice, but Marie came back looking a bit miffed. "They say they can't get out until first thing in the morning. What are we going to do? No other tow companies?"
Alex shook his head. "Afraid not." He thought towards the camp. 'Really? Them, too?' Of course the camp didn't respond.
"Taxi and a hotel?" Marie asked though she didn't sound confident.
"There's a motel about fifteen miles up the road, some of our campers' parents use it when they want to be close by. I might be able to get one of my counselors to drive you up there. If you want to stay close by your car.." Alex looked back over his shoulders. "One of our overflow cabins is empty. I'll give you the one furthest away from the camp activities. Don't worry, it gets cleaned before every session, just like all the others. I'll bring you some dinner, too when it's ready."
By now, the sun had set and the sky was holding on to the last bit of sunlight before moving towards night. Marie was obviously at a loss but gave Liam a look who shrugged. "That would be very nice, Mr.."
"Alex, Alex Underhill.. no mister needed." He waited for them to collect their things before guiding them to one of the cabins. This one was the furthest one out, and luckily they didn't have even a mostly full weekend. About five cabins total sat empty and this was way out. Though it was close enough to hear the sound of kids and people in the distance, laughing and having fun. The occasional animal sound they'd hopefully explain away. "Here we go, cabin 24." Like all the cabins there was no lock on the door so he just pulled it open and motioned them inside.
The bunks were already sitting with bedding folded on top of them and Alex motioned to the back. "There's a power outlet at the back of the cabin. Shower and bathroom for this group are down between 22 and 21. They're empty up to 16 so don't worry about running in to anyone. I'll be back with two plates of supper, should be about serving time."
Liam threw himself down in one of the chairs spread through out the cabin, while Marie looked about before turning once more to Alex. "Thank you again, we'll be out of your hair in the morning."
'Doubtful' Alex thought to himself as he made his goodbyes and excused himself. "You better know what you're doing." He muttered under his breath, there was only a slight breeze through the trees in response.