The Night They Went Missing

Breonna

Standing in the kitchen, I gawk at the receipt that is hanging on the wall with a pin through it. Once I did some research, I found out that the hotel was located in Skegness. I remember going there when I was younger and playing on the 2p machines in the arcade.

 "What's that?" Janisha asks as she skips down the stairs and into the kitchen, staring at the receipt along with me.

 "Nothing. Just something to do with the case." I grab the receipts and put it into my pocket before she can get a glimpse of it.

 I didn't want to be asked questions yet. I had no idea where Tanisha was and someone asking me questions about it, is the last thing I need.

 "Guess it's top secret then. Well, I might be back home later tonight: I'm looking at another apartment so don't wait up for me." 

 "I won't and hope this one matches all of your requirements." I laughed.

 Janisha wanted the best apartment, which was understandable. She didn't want one that was tiny and had a terrible view. She had so many requirements that I don't think she will ever find one that will fit them all and having a pet makes finding an apartment ten times harder.

 We talked and talked as Minnie sat in her cat tree purring away in the corner like she always did. These were the moments I cherished. The long talks and not having to stress about work or what's happening in the news. We were in the moment and that's what I loved. As me and her have been friends for so long, we could have talked for hours without getting bored, but eventually, Janisha had to go to work and I decided it was time for me to go and look at the hotel as well.

 The wind howled through the door as Janisha stepped outside, saying her goodbyes. Wrapping my long beige coat around my body, I followed out after her. There were some days when I wished I had a job like Janisha's where there was little stress, and she could sit with people around her laughing and listening to the calming sound of music. But I knew that wasn't me. I knew that after a while I would get bored and that repeating the same thing over and over again would get repetitive. Despite the fact that my job caused me lots of stress that made my head feel like it was going to explode, I was kept on my toes and not expecting what was coming was what intrigued me.

 Driving along the road with the wind in my hair, the clouds darkened with a sinister atmosphere surrounding it. I really hoped that I would find something useful at the hotel. Right now, I had no idea where Tanisha was and this was one of my only leads. Currently, I knew that Tanisha was having an affair and booked a hotel room the day after her birthday for what I assume to be two people. Maybe there were footage of who came with her to and from the hotel. If there wasn't then I had no more leads and was back at the beginning all over again.

 The drive to the hotel was long and even though I hate to admit it, I did get lost a couple of times. Though I eventually reached the hotel alongside the beach. It was a colossal building that looked like it was touching the menacing clouds. Windows ran along and up the building with small balconies peering out towards the sea. In the summer, I can imagine how alluring this place would be, with the sun shining down on you face and making the golden sand gleam and lustre in the warm sun. People would be gathered on the beach with their families, playing in the warm sea that would cool you down.

 But it wasn't summer at the moment and it certainly didn't feel like it. The clouds blocked any sign of sunlight that could warm you up and the wind howled, scraping across your cheek. My hair, that was meant to be in a neat ponytail, was now messy with the bobble loose. I may have not put any effort in at all.

 Outside of the hotel, there were chairs and tables with umbrellas closed and wrapped tightly together with a ribbon. The seating area looked out onto the beach with a strong tide that crashed onto the sand, instead of nesting gently. A car park was located next to it with multiple cars gathered together. A large neon sign saying 'Holiday Hotel' was plastered at the top of the building, glowing for everyone to see.