the telephone rang the desk agent excused herselfpressing an
informative glossy pamphlet into the gentlemans hand hed been inquiring of the Inns amenities and
rates for nearly ten minutes shed held
the job long enough now to know when a customer was genuine or when they were
making a playmaking time for themselves at her expense
an attractive woman aware of her
attractiveness isnt stupid
picking up the telephone she said
Good morning, this is the front desk. My name is Isabel. How can I be of help?
Good morning. This is Mrs.
Pearson, Suite 1010.
Yes, Mrs. Pearson -- she was
immediately at the computer ascertaining the Pearson reservation -- how may I
help you?
I think there was some mistake
this morning. We received a wake-up call from the desk at seven. We didn’t
request a wake-up.
peering back at Isabel from the
interface was the four-day reservation last evening was their first evening in the
suite no wake-up calls had been
scheduled momentarily she was confused but didnt let it sneak into her voice I’m terribly
sorry, Mrs. Pearson, I’m looking at the computer as we speak, I understand you
don’t wish to be disturbed . .
. . No. We don’t. This is a
much-deserved desperately-anticipated getaway.
I understand, Mrs. Pearson, I’m
terribly sorry. Please, again, my name is Isabel. I’m bring up each and every morning
forward, and as I am I do not see any wake-up calls scheduled; no, no, none are
scheduled and I have noted none should be. I hope that is to your satisfaction.
I appreciate your thoroughness,
Isabel. Thank you for your time and consideration.
You’re welcome, Mrs. Pearson, I
see this evening you’ll be dining with us.
Yes. Chef Marc has spoiled us for
many years.
I understand he is exceptional. I
love taking the advice of my customers. Again, please, if there is anything you
need or require do not hesitate to contact me or the Inn immediately.
Thank you, Isabel the telephone call disconnected
Miss the
gentleman must be thick You’ll excuse me, sir, that
ought to dampen his spirits but I have to take something up immediately
with my manager. Thank you. But I . . she turned quicklycutting him short disregarding his imploring hurt wannabe puppydog look
entering the office space behind
the front desk she continued to the halfclosed door at the rearthe Manager’s Office
and rapped softly at it Mrs. MacGill?
Yes?
We have a problem in ten-ten Isabel said as she entered
Ten-ten, a wake-up call?
Yes.
No. Aw, no.
I’m afraid so. Shall we move them to another suite? I’m not
comfortable leaving them there, chancing another call, no matter how
quainthistorically quaint the story is.
You don’t think they would find
it unique?
No.
That’s abrupt, Isabel.
Then I’ll pose that you haven’t met
Mrs. Pearson in the flesh; in the flesh is important here, there’s nothing
quaint in her make-up that I’ve discerned, Chef Marc, by name, and they’ve stayed
with us several times over years. I wouldn’t jeopardise their staying with us in the future for the past. Some might not
feel that murders and a suicide are quaint, no matter that to date the spirits
haven’t exhibited anything other than . . what shall I say . . being mischievous.
Well said.
Thank you, ma’am, but I’ll defer
to you if you wish chancing speaking with them tomorrow morning. I’ve assured
Mrs. Pearson that I’ve noted that they are not be awakened. I have also denied
the computer to accept commands for ten-ten to be called; but you know that is
ineffectual.
They are persistent.
They are.
Then you’ll handle their move and
tell them dinner is on us this evening for their inconvenience?
I will immediately.
And if Mrs. Pearson should ask
why? I suspect she will.
I’ll be informing her in person.
If she wants to hear why, then in my darkest mien and voice I’ll ask her if she
truly . . truly . . wants to know. I don’t have to tell you how gruesome the murders were.
No Mrs. MacGill shivered You needn't reminded me.
No. One hundred years haven’t diminished them.
Thursday
evening, 10 1. 19
1808, Monday,
14 1. 19
