There are several modern sitting areas and a large reception desk spanning the whole one side of the room. It’s made from white marble with a dark grain running through it. There are five people behind the desk. Four are smiling and looking our way, while a fifth is busy with a customer who is clearly checking in. My phone vibrates in my pocket, but I ignore it.
“Wait here,” Mandy instructs. She doesn’t look my way, but I know she is speaking to me…the third wheel. I’ve been tagging along with this pair for weeks.
I bite my tongue, holding back a sigh of frustration. I move away, staying in the general vicinity. This lead came in from head office. Someone called to say that a Lilith checked in to this hotel last night. It’s a long shot and more than likely a waste of time, yet here we are, grasping at straws.
If it were up to me, I’d hit the underground bars and hangouts. I’d find every lowlife scum from here to Alaska. I’d stir up hell until someone talked. Someone has to know where this harpy is. Harpies are rare. She has to be somewhere. Holing up with someone. She has to eat. Hunger will drive her into the open. She’ll be itching for a fix by now. I disregarded everything Lilith told me about harpies. I’ve been doing my own research. I’m more inclined to believe the books than anything that came out of that lying bitch’s mouth. The only way to catch her will be to think like her. To associate ourselves with those who get off on blood and guts. Her kind. My new partners – and I use the term loosely – disagree.
My pocket vibrates with an incoming message. I keep my eyes on Mandy and Mike. M and M, as I like to call them. They’re talking with a receptionist who keeps shaking her head. I roll my eyes, letting a sigh of annoyance fall from my lips. They aren’t going to get anything like this. It’s clear that the Order has sent the lowest-ranking Seekers on the harpy chase. Why? Because they think it’s a lost cause, but they have to make it look like they care. What am I saying? They do care, but they’re not wasting resources on a wild goose chase. We’re understaffed as it is. Besides, a job like this doesn’t pay. The Order needs cold, hard cash to survive. All of this is what Tom told me when he assigned me to join these two. I’m sorry that I agreed. I think I might have gotten further working a desk.
I head to the help desk. “Hi,” I smile brightly, “I’m in Room 314. My name is Bianca Tate.” All bullshit. One thing I’ve realized is that if you say something with real confidence, people will tend to believe you. “I need a large envelope, please.” I look at my watch and then lock eyes with the guy behind the desk.
“Of course…ma’am.” He frowns. “You said Room 314?”
“That’s correct.”
“No problem.” He takes out a regular-sized envelope.
“Do you have anything bigger. I have a stack of documents I need to get to a client by the end of business.” I look at my watch again, making sure that my expression conveys minor irritation. “I don’t want this deal falling through,” I add. My tone is no-nonsense and yet polite. I force a tight smile.
“Of course not.” He opens and closes a couple of drawers and then hands me what I’m looking for.
“Great!” I smile. “You’ve saved my life…” I look at his name tag, “George. Do you have a black marker by any chance?”
He nods and hands me the marker. I write ‘Urgent!’ on the envelope, followed by ‘Attention: Lilith Hunter’. That’s the name this woman checked in under.
Hunter.
Could it be?
I see M and M still hard at work trying to get the receptionist to give them information on the guest. She’s not budging…hotel policy. I’m not sure why they’re even trying anymore. I walk into the ladies’ restroom and stop in my tracks. Sheesh! It’s even more gorgeous in here than in the lobby. It smells amazing too. They don’t have disposable paper napkins, but there’s a stack of perfectly rolled up, fluffy, white hand towels. I grab four and unfold them, placing them in my envelope. I give it a squeeze and then add one more towel. Perfect. Nice and thick. It looks like there is something important inside the envelope. I lick and seal it tightly shut, and then I head for the reception desk.
I head to a receptionist further up from Mike and Mandy. M and M are still at it. The receptionist isn’t really listening to them anymore, but they’re still pushing hard. She gives a final, very definite, shake of the head, and they turn, looking defeated.
Mandy’s eyes flash around the lobby. They narrow when they land on me. I focus on the lady in front of me.
“Good day. Can I help you with something?” The receptionist is bright, and all smiles.
“Hi, yes, please. I have important mail for one of your guests.” I step closer and lower my voice.
The receptionist cocks her head and steps closer to the desk as well.
“It’s very important that she receive this personally. I need you to put this into her hands.”
She frowns. “I may not leave this desk. It’s…” she looks at the clock on the wall behind her, “two hours before my next break. We have a delivery service. I can assure you that the guest would receive her mail within the next ten minutes.”
I shake my head. “I know that Miss Hunter would be pleased if you honor my request. The fewer hands…” I lower my voice even more, “this passes through,” I wink at her, “the better. It’ll be safer that way. The information inside here,” I tap the envelope, “is strictly confidential.”
“Although The Ten Winds would be happy to help, you should probably contact her and deliver it yourself.” Her eyes narrow, and she looks skeptical for a moment or two.
“I just handle the deliveries. This,” I tap the envelope again, “is way above my pay grade. I have another ten deliveries to make before lunch.” I roll my eyes. “You know how it is?”
“Absolutely.” I can see she wants to roll her eyes as well, but that wouldn’t be acceptable behavior for a receptionist in an establishment like this one, so she holds back.
“As I said, it’s important she get this ASAP. Can I trust you to help me out?”
Her eyes widen. “Of course. I’ll see to it that she gets this.”
“You’ll personally see to it?” I’m tempted to hand her a crisp bill but decide not to at the last minute. I have her hook, line, and sinker. I might lose her if I try to bribe her. I’ve learned that there are those who are swayed by money and those who are put off by it.
She gets this look of determination. “I will personally make sure that Miss Hunter receives this.” She touches the envelope.
“You’re a lifesaver,” I push out, sounding relieved.
“No problem! I’ll let her know right away that it’s here,” she says.
I glance at her name badge. “You have been a huge help, Candice.” I smile at her.
“I’m here to help.” She winks at me, her hand already reaching for the telephone in front of her.
I give her a small nod and walk to the elevator, ignoring the surprised looks on the faces of M and M. I step into the elevator and head down to the parking area.
I’ll wait a minute or two, and then, if need be, I’ll contact them with instructions. I don’t have to wait. The elevator dings half a minute later, and Mike and Mandy get out. “What the hell was that?” Mandy spits.