Radiant Oddities (Anomaly Saga #4)

17

Alice awoke later that day in the medical wing of the hotel. Chandler sat at her bedside, grey fedora over his eyes, reading a book Alice recognized as a hotel Bible. As soon as Chandler noticed she was awake, he closed the book and looked at her. "Hey," he said.

Alice groggily sat up. "Hey." She looked around the room. Everything was strangely silent. "What happened?"

Chandler chuckled to himself. "Well, uh . . . you saved my life. Everything kinda fell apart when I broke the news to everyone else. About Lockley's death, I mean. Greyhorn fainted, though not nearly as gracefully as you did. Victoria left the hotel without another word. All of Lockley's former protectors left with her."

Alice nodded. "Okay. Good." She hesitated. "Did Katrina tell you anything?"

"Oh, yeah. She did. All the spirits are free. The cells are empty. You did it. I still don't really understand, but that's what Katrina told me."

Alice smiled. "That's great. That's really great."

"Yes," said Chandler. "Casey is in charge of the hotel now. He told me he'll make it much better. No more country music in the elevators, and such."

They both laughed, and then they sat in silence for a moment. It wasn't an awkward silence, however-more a peaceful and reflective silence for both parties involved.

Finally, Chandler spoke up again. "So, uh, once you're feeling better again, what would you say to, uh . . ."

Alice looked at him intently. "Yes?"

"To . . . getting coffee with me, or something? Like a . . . like . . . okay, okay. A date. Just like you asked me before all this happened.

Alice beamed. "I would like that. I would love it."

"Okay, then, uh . . . I guess it's settled." He pulled his hat over his eyes again. "Tell me when you're ready."

"I will," Alice assured him. "I can't wait."