They arrived at the hotel at a quarter past nine. A tall doorman stayed poised, as the pair walked through the golden doors. High above, the ceiling was decorated with many glimmering designs. The walls were sheer gold, imprints and markings of different vintage patterns. Elegant furniture was placed all around the lobby, with many engraved statues, lamps, and exotic plants. The lengthy front desk held only one person, a younger looking man. His nametag stated "Hi, I'm Oliver. I'm a newbie." Oliver greeted them with an eager smile, "Hello and welcome to the Soho Grand Hotel. How may I be of service?" he asked, "Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes, Holton, Shane Holton." Elizabeth peered at him in confusion.
"Oh yes, Suite 6. One of my favorites!" Oliver handed them each a keycard and smiled once more, "Just head up the staircase to the left and take the elevator to the sixth floor. Enjoy your stay."
The stairs led them up to an even more enchanted hall, where small groups of people mingled and chatted with one another. Lance seemed to be dodging out of sight from these people by quickly moving to the elevator, while Elizabeth admired the artwork that hung on the walls. They arrived on the sixth floor a bit exhausted. Lance suggested that they get some rest, but this suggestion was shot down. Elizabeth needed to know what was going on, and now. They settled themselves on the cotton-covered chaises that were arranged around the fireplace.
"First, before you begin to ask my all your questions, I'd like to apologize. I wasn't that straight forward to you about everything. Do believe me, much of what I've told you about myself are true. There are just some complications to this matter."
Elizabeth stared at him for a while, pulled a fleece blanket over her legs and spoke, "I'm not sure what to say. I am almost speechless. Just tell me everything, the truth."
Three clear, acrylic table lamps and the fire were the only sources of light, as they sat in silence. Outside the window you could hear slow streaks of traffic and walker-bys. The night sky was a radiant, royal blue that Elizabeth had never seen before. Such beauty shown as the stars glimmered with the moon made the night gave off a romantic essence that the two lovebirds could feel within. Their silence continued, but no words needed to be said. Lance's arms wrapped around her sides, and they slowly fell asleep.
The morning light shined through the windows of their hotel suite, room service had taken the liberty to open the balcony doors, which let a breeze through. A silver cart was also brought filled with goodies and treats that would make any breakfast-hater hungry. Birds chirped, as they gathered around the exotic plants that grew, waking Elizabeth from a deep sleep. She rolled onto her side and sat on the ledge of the bed. Thoughts of Sugar popped into her head. If Stephen even thinks about harming my little Sugar, he'll have another thing coming.
She walked out to the lounging area, where the cart was left waiting. A newspaper had been placed on the glass coffee table in front of the micro-suede sofa. While eating a biscuit, she caught glimpse of the cover headline, "Man Commits Suicide Over Missing Wife". Oh, that sounds awful! Elizabeth hoped it wasn't any of her relatives or co-workers, or anyone for that matter. The story sounded dreadful, yet she began to read the article just out of curiosity.
MAN COMMITS SUICIDE OVER MISSING WIFE
by james comely
Local reports have stated that a Mr. Stephen Riley committed suicide this morning by jumping off the rooftop of his 4-story estate. Caring neighbors were the first to find the mangled body and report it to the police. Apparently, Mr. Riley had been awaiting the arrival of his wife the previous afternoon, yet she never arrived home. It seems as though there were troubles in this couple's marriage. Mr. Riley had purchased 5 dozen roses, a oversized teddy bear clutching a heart, and a rather large card that held an apology. No one has been in contact with his wife, Elizabeth Riley, for two days. It seems as this distress caused Mr. Riley to jump to a plummeting death..
"Wtf?", Elizabeth read the article several times out of amazement. She tossed the paper aside and ran towards the bedroom, but a she was stopped by a set of hands. Her mouth was covered, with wrists held behind her back.
...to be continued.
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