Page 87 of Red Marked

I nod.

I park out front, and we head into the building. It’s far busier than I expected.

The reception is full of people in lanyards. I take the bags from Star, and we join the line at the front desk.

“The rehabilitation center booked my room because I’m here interviewing the last candidates for the team, so they’re footing the bill for my stay here. I’ll ask for a room for you on the same floor. Next door to mine, if I can get it.”

“That would be perfect.” She nods. “Add that to my account too. I’ll pay you back for all of it.”

“I will.” I nod. “It’s not normally this busy,” I mutter, almost to myself.

The line moves far too slowly. There are two staff working the desk, and by the time we get to the front, the receptionist looks stressed.

I give her my name, and she types it in.

“I have your booking, sir. One room for three nights for one person. It’s prepaid.” Her eyes go to Star and back to me.

“That’s great. Is there any chance of a second room on the same floor, please?”

She laughs. “You’re kidding, right?”

I shake my head. “If you don’t have a room on the same floor, we’ll take whatever you have.”

“I’m afraid we don’t have any rooms left. You got one of the last that was available.” She spreads her hands at the lobby behind us. “This conference has taken everything we have. I’ll be honest: anything decent in town went two or three days ago. You might get a two-star motel out of town, if you’re lucky.”

Fuck!

“Can you double-check?” I ask. “Someone might have canceled.”

“I have a waiting list for cancellations, but I can promise you that it isn’t worth either of our time putting you on it.” She shakes her head. “Just so you know, your room is a two-sleeper. That’s an option. There would be a surcharge, though. Shall I add your friend?”

Crap!

No.

I look at Star. She lifts one shoulder and lets it drop.

“I don’t mind.”

It’s a pity I mind. I was looking forward to some space. I’m sure she was too.

I don’t need this in my life right now.

Maybe the room is big. Some of them have two beds or a pullout.

“Fine,” I hear myself say. “We’ll take it.”

The receptionist has us checked in inside a minute. I pay the surcharge, and she slides two key cards across the desk.

“Thank you,” I mumble.

“Enjoy your stay.” She gives me a tired smile.

We ride the elevator up in silence. It’s a short walk down the hall, and we’re there. The door clicks open after I slide the card into the slot.

The room is tiny.

Fuck me!