Wrestling the Kraken

Dante

Dante

Morris dropped Dante off at the hotel, heading to go park the car. Dante fought his way into the lobby, away from the reporters outside who were hungry and ruthless. It was time to find a different place to stay, someplace away from the hyenas. He knew they were doing their job and they did serve a purpose.

With his father bent on removing any obstacles he deemed fit, he would have a hard time doing it with all the coverage and reporters around. There were too many eyes on him now. The constant press coverage on his family also meant that his father's reputation and legacy would be thoroughly washed away. Two purposes then. So while he felt choked trying to make his way through them, he was glad they were there. Ever stalking. Ever watching.

He took a deep breath and headed toward the elevator. People seated in the lobby off to the sides, raised their heads as he passed. Clenching his jaw, he heard his teeth grind in his head. He could feel their stares, but he kept his focus straight ahead. He would go straight up to his father's room. Though many matters needed answering, today's actions took precedence. He demanded to know why.

Before reaching the elevator, the hotel manager approached him from the side. "Mr. Rossini."

"Unless it's important, I'd like to just head upstairs." Dante replied, not looking at the man.

"The video you requested to see. It's ready." The manager explained.

Dante looked at him. "Show me."

"Right this way. I'm sorry for the delay. The technology is still new. We had to have a representative from the company come in and do it for us. Apparently, it's not difficult at all. Just a matter of finding the right tape and the right frame. Right this way." The manager led Dante into a back office where the surveillance system was being operated.

Dante was speechless. He couldn't believe how far technology had come. The changing times had been difficult to keep up with in regards to keeping the circus afloat. The switch from traveling tents, animals, and sideshow to theater showcases. Now modernization was about to help him get some answers.

"Please play the tape." The manager spoke to the representative. He pressed the play button. It was a bit difficult to make out, but Dante could see the hallway outside of his room . In slowed frames, a woman with black hair approached his door, bent down and slipped something underneath, then left. There wasn't much detail he could pick out other than she had bangs (french girl outfit).

Not what he had expected, but this still didn't eliminate his father. He could have paid this girl in order to not be seen himself. If he could find her...maybe she would be willing to talk. It was worth a shot. "Is there more? Do we know where she went?"

"No. I apologize, Mr. Rossini, but the camera loses her after this." The manager replied.

Dante shook his hand, "Please, call me Dante, and this was beyond helpful. I appreciate your efforts."

The manager smiled warmly. "My pleasure." He said, bowing his head.

Dante left the back office and headed to the elevator. How could he find out who this girl is? He ran through different scenarios in his mind as the elevator took him up. Stepping off, he walked to his father's suite.

The guard his father hired was standing outside the door. They nodded at him, as he approached.

"I need something done." Dante said, leaning close to Leroy. "Stakeout the building where my mother was found, in case the killer returns. I need to find out who's working with my father."