Authors: Catherine Lambert
“A man an old man, he said he was a doctor,” she replied meekly
“Well that rules him out. Whoever this woman was, she certainly didn’t sign in, and she was not allocated a room.”
“Perhaps she didn’t need one,” Kate pointed out.
“Well, someone must have seen them together in the bar. Who was on duty last night Mrs. Oliver?” Alex demanded to know.
“Which bar are you talking about?”
“I think we were in The Silver Bar.”
That would Tony and Paul behind the bar, and Kelly and Nadine were waiting on.”
“Thank you Mrs. Oliver.”
“Just one more question; when Mr. Preston checked out, was there anyone else with him?”
“No, he was on his own and in a hurry.”
“Right, now have you any idea where Mr. Hughes is?”
“He was stock-taking in the cellar with Kelly half an hour ago, but I don’t know where he is now.”
“Stock-taking,” he paused and added.
“Tell him I want to speak to him in my office will you?” he informed her.
Alex turned away and Kate followed him to the Silver Bar, which lived up to its name. It shone and sparkled under a spray of coloured lights. Steel tables and tubular seats were arranged in the four corners of the room, with a dance floor in the middle. It was ultra-modern, and in stark comparison to the rest of the hotel.
“So what do you think Kate?” he asked
“It’s just very shiny,” she replied, for want of a better word.
“This is one of six bars in the hotel, and each one is individual. We endeavour to cater for all ages and taste. It gives clients a more personal choice of atmosphere to relax in. The Mahogany Bar attracts the more senior guests, and this one for example is more popular with our younger clients,” he explained.
“I think I’d prefer the Mahogany Bar myself, but I can see the attraction for the young ones,” Kate glanced around the room.
“Just excuse me a minute Kate,” Alex turned his attention to a waitress who was polishing glasses.
“Is Tony around?” he asked her.
“He’s in the cellar Sir, shall I phone him?”
“Yes please.”
A few minutes later, a nervous young man with a mass of ginger hair, appeared behind the bar.
“You wanted to see me Mr. Lawton?” he asked.
“Last night there as a gentleman in here, he was having a drink with me, do you remember?”
”Of course sir,” he sounded relieved.
“After I left, did you notice anyone else join him?”
“Yes, a woman.”
“Could you be more precise?” Alex prompted him.
“Oh right, er she was young and pretty, in fact she was stunning with long black hair, and she had a white wine and soda,” he blushed.
“Which I paid for, you didn’t happen to catch her name did you Tony?”
“No Sir, but I don’t think they knew each other because when he left, they shook hands.”
“How very polite of him,” Kate muttered under her breathe.
“So he left the bar and she stayed on her own?” Alex reiterated what the young man had said.
“I had to serve other customers, there was a large group in the bar, and they were really noisy. The next time I looked up she was gone. Oh, just a minute; that’s not right. She asked me for a bottle of wine and told me to charge it to a room. I’ll have to look it up, I can’t remember the number.” He quickly flicked through the bar memo, then looked up at Alex and said.
“Room 137.”
“Was that Ben’s room?” Kate asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yes,” he replied quietly.
“Don’t you think you’re assuming too much Kate?” Alex asked. “Ben might have had a car accident, or he could have been abducted by someone,” he added.
“Would that be before or after he entertained the stunning young woman with long black hair?” Kate glared at him.
“Let’s just forget about that for now,” Alex avoided her stare.
“That’s easier said than done.”
“I know Kate, but try to listen to what I’m saying.”
“O.K. let’s say he has had a car accident,” she said, “If someone had found him, he could be identified from his business cards in his briefcase; and I assumed again you’d already phoned the local hospitals,” she enquired sharply, instantly regretting her brusque manner.
“No I haven’t actually; I’ll get someone on to it straightaway.”
“Why did you say he could have been abducted? That’s a strange thing to say,” Kate quizzed him.
“It’s a possibility, and it would explain why he left so early without speaking to me.”
“That’s ridiculous; he can’t abduct himself, he left alone remember? It’s obvious why he left so early in the morning, so no one would see him. He must have something or someone to hide, probably the latter.”
“This is getting us nowhere. Would you like something to eat?” he asked sensing her agitation.
“Why would I want something to eat?” she replied indignantly.
“You can’t think straight on an empty stomach.”
“I don’t think I could eat anything.”
“What about a sandwich, you really should try to eat something?”
“Alright, but just something light please,” she agreed realising he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
“Do you want a drink?”
She hesitated, “just a small white wine please.”
Alex ordered the meal and drinks from the bar, and re-joined her a few minutes later.
“I should be out looking for my husband,” Kate looked despondent.
“I really don’t think there’s anything more you can do, you’ll just have to be patient.”
Kate didn’t reply she knew he was right, but she still felt guilty even though she was very angry at her husband’s betrayal.
A waitress appeared at the table and presented them with a huge selection of sandwiches, and a basket of fresh salad, Kate picked up a sandwich and nibbled at it. She opened her mouth to speak as Mrs. Oliver approached them.
“Excuse me Mr. Lawton. I’ve contacted all the hospitals and there has been no admission by the name of Ben Preston. There have been a number of car accidents, but none of the victims fit his description.”
“Well that sounds like good news, thank you Mrs. Oliver,” he smiled.
“If there’s nothing else, I’m going off duty now. I shall be on holiday for two weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Gilroy will be sharing the reception duties while I’m away,” she informed him.
“Not that dreadful woman, she really isn’t hotel reception material,” Alex winced.
“Would you like me to get a replacement from the agency?” she asked.
“No not at the moment, I’ll have a word with her later. Have a nice holiday Mrs. Oliver.”
“Thank you,” she smiled and turned away.
Kate also took the opportunity to leave, and stood up.
“Thank you for your hospitality Alex. If you don’t mind I’d like to take a shower and have an early night.”
“You hardly touched your food,” he remarked noticing the half-eaten sandwich.
“I’m sorry, I’m too anxious to eat,” she apologised.
Shall I pick my keys up from reception?” she added.
“I’ll come with you,” he stood up.
Alex heard Mrs. Gilroy’s unpleasant voice before he caught sight of her behind the reception desk, and cringed as she opened her coarse mouth to speak.
“Thank you Mrs. Gilroy but I haven’t lost the use of my ears, could you please lower your voice.” Although she was a smartly dressed woman, her verbal tirades were embarrassing. She was a middle-aged woman who wore her grey peppered hair in a neat bun, and a moderate application of foundation and eye make-up. Her appearance was aesthetically pleasing, and if she was not required to indulge in conversation, she would have been a perfect receptionist!
“I’m sorry Mr. Lawton but my hubbie is hard of hearing and I have to keep shouting at him. I can’t seem to stop doing it, we got thrown out of the library last week,” she smirked.
“Then get him a hearing aid.”
“He’s waiting for an appointment.”
“O.K Mrs. Gilroy, could I have the keys to the Lotus Suite please,” he interrupted her
“Right you are Mr. Lawton,” she beamed which irritated Alex.
“The keys,” Alex held out his hand.
Kate resisted the temptation to smile, and distanced herself from the desk as Alex clutched the keys in his hand and leaned forward. He whispered something to Mrs. Gilroy, which Kate didn’t hear, but it was scathing enough to instantly wipe the smile from the woman’s face.
“This way Kate,” Alex proceeded briskly towards a set of double doors which led into a hallway at the end of which, The Lotus Suite was located. Above the door was an elaborate carving of two inter-twined flowers.
“Is this the honeymoon Suite?” Kate was intrigued by his choice of accommodation for her. A half-smile spread across Alex’s face.
“Not exactly,” he paused as he slid the key into the lock, and held the door open for her to enter. These rooms are for my personal use, but not at the moment. I moved out a few weeks ago; I’ve taken a room on the ground floor as a temporary measure, and for the time being, they can be used by family and friends at my discretion.”
“Which group do I belong to?” she asked, stepping into the luxuriously carpeted room.
“I suppose you’re somewhere in between,” he replied vaguely.
Unsure of what to make of his comment, she remained silent and glanced round the beautiful rooms. The luxury it afforded was beyond her comprehension, words didn’t exist to describe it. Suffice to say it was elaborate to the point of vulgarity. Five rooms comprising of a bedroom with a king-sized four poster bed draped in red silk, a lounge with its own optics and bar, a fully fitted kitchen, dining room and huge marble and glass bathroom, completed the Lotus Suite. Outside, a games room and mini gymnasium added to the splendour the Suite offered, but Kate was uncomfortable with her host’s choice of accommodation.
“So what do you think?” he asked after her perusal.
“It’s very” she hesitated, “impressive.”
Picking up a framed photograph of two men; one of whom was obviously Alex, Kate enquired of the identity of the younger looking man.
“A friend,” was all he would say.
“Shall I arrange for your luggage to be sent up?” he asked wanting to change the subject.
Deep feelings of guilt washed over Kate as she glanced around the room.
“Don’t think I don’t appreciate your hospitality, but I really can’t stay in here tonight. Could I just have a single room?” she asked hesitantly.
“Are you sure I can’t change your mind?” he attempted to persuade her.
“I’m sorry Alex, my minds’ made up.”
“I understand,” he nodded
Kate walked past him and made her way back to the reception desk. Alex followed closely behind, and spoke to Mrs. Gilroy.
“Room 137, is vacant Sir,” she replied courteously.
“Is there anything else?” she added.
“Not at the moment Mrs. Gilroy,” he turned to Kate.
“There’s a single room available, but it was the one Ben’s was staying in,” he informed her.
“I don’t mind,” she replied quietly, and followed Alex to the lift, where they travelled in silence to the third floor. Outside room 137, Alex hesitated.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he gave her a chance to change her mind.
Kate nodded as he turned the key in the lock, and pushed open the door.
“I hope you find this room to your liking. I’ll get your case sent up to you as soon as possible,” he replied.
“Thank you, I’ll say goodnight then.” Kate wanted to be on her own now.
“Goodnight Kate, if there’s anything you need just contact reception, there’s a phone in your room and don’t take any cheek from Mrs. Gilroy. I’ll get her replaced tomorrow.”
Alex took the lift to the ground floor and returned to his office. A few minutes later he was disturbed by a knock on the door.
“Come in,” he said without looking up.
Joseph stood in front of him holding an envelope in his hand.
“This was just delivered for you Mr. Lawton,” he passed it over.
“Thank you,” Alex took it and glanced briefly at it
“How long have you been working here Joseph?” he asked.
“Nearly two months, but I was at your Brixham hotel for two years Mr. Lawton,” he replied.
“And what are your duties?”
“I’m a waiter, and I stand in for the bar staff when someone’s ill.”
“The head waiter has informed me he’ll be leaving at the end of the month. Would you like to take the position?” Alex asked.
“Yes of course, thank you Mr. Lawton,” the look on his face expressed his gratitude.
“You’ll receive an increase in your salary, and you’ll need some training, but I’m sure you’ll cope. Now don’t let me down Joseph, this is a responsible position.”
“I won’t Sir, and thank you again.”