“And Garbog says—” Rixiac stopped mid-joke. What was the point? Uglybaby gurgled happily, but was not much much of a conversationalist otherwise.

The waitress was taking her time bringing their food. Or the cooks were slow making it. Either way, it made no sense, since they were one of two tables occupied.

The blizzard outside had worsened since Rixiac and Uglybaby had left Spoon. Luckily, the black vans weren’t in sight. For now they seemed to be lost.

“We are doing good, U.B.,” Rixiac said, quietly, just in case that one table contained spies. “Once we get to a bigger town, I am sure somebody can help us track down your parents. They cannot live far away, and someone in this area must recognize you.”

Uglybaby tilted its head to one side eyes gazing blankly into Rixiac’s. An unidentifiable noise escaped from it. Rixiac slammed her head into the table, the idiocy of it all overwhelming her.

Rixiac opened one eye as the plates were plopped beside them.

“Thank you,” she said to the waitress weakly.