They have to be hiding in a place where TC can also hide the vehicle (i.e., abandoned house, abandoned building, etc.) - unless the original vehicle has been ditched and TC used some of the cash he has to buy another used, cheap vehicle. However, I think TC must have planned ahead and found some place where they could hide and live somewhat normally. Even if ET is going along with this to some degree because of coercion, I don't think she would believe this is her fairy tale come true if they're having to hide in abandoned buildings without running water, electricity, furniture, or anything else that resembles a normal home.
But at the same time they have to be in a place where there aren't a lot of people. I don't think TC would take the risk of being around large groups of people who they would have to "socialize" with to some extent - like in a cult or fringe group. It's a big risk to take even with groups who are anti-LE.
TC could also have more cash than just the money from the $4,500 loan. TC had had at least a month to plan the escape so he easily could have been stashing cash during this time. Plus, we don't know how long TC was planning to kidnap ET and take off. This plan could have been in the works for several months for all we know. TC could have several thousand dollars more than LE has stated.
Last point, I don't think they're staying in hotels or motels because that's too risky. I've traveled a LOT with my profession and in my personal life (4-5 trips a year just for my daughter's competitive sport - in addition to my work travel). Hotels almost 100% of the time have the news running 24/7 on their lobby or cafe TVs, which greatly increases the possibility of being spotted. However, it's very seldom I've stayed at a hotel that asks for vehicle information. I can recall being asked for this information many years ago on a more regular basis, but in more recent years I haven't been asked for this information at all.
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