ENIGMA

Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

Amelia found she was excited to get to know the staff at the Hotel. Even more, she was excited to start working. As soon as she reached the lobby of the hotel, Amelia was ambushed by the current assistant manager and receptionist.

“Are you Amelia Brown? Are you going to be saving our jobs?” The receptionist asked.

Amelia guffawed in surprise. “Excuse me but I’m a little lost here.”

“Allow me to introduce myself . . .” The assistant manager spoke. “I’m going to be your right hand man for as long as you and I both still have jobs. My name is Alfred. Alfred George.” He held his hand out to Amelia.

“Amelia Brown.” She returned the hand-shake.

“We know who you are. Don’t worry, everyone knew exactly who you were the second you stepped through those doors.” Alfred waved his hand nonchalantly whilst sporting a bright, Colgate smile. “This is Stella McCartney, the receptionist. If you want to know the latest gossip, she’s your girl.”

“Hey!” Stella yelled.

Alfred rolled his eyes. “She’s also a bit of a drama queen. Don’t mind her.” He whispered loudly.

“And you’re a straight-forward, offending gay.” Stella crossed her arms angrily.

“Darling, I am truly offended. Considering how long we’ve known each other, you should know by now that saying that is a compliment, not an insult.” Alfred smirked at Stella’s annoyance. “But let’s get back to the topic of most importance. Are you going to save our jobs or not?”

Amelia tried to hide her smile behind a poker face unsuccessfully. “What makes you think you’re about to lose your jobs to begin with?” She was curious.

Stella peered over both her shoulders before leaning in closer to Amelia, beckoning for her and Alfred to do the same. “Rumors about Mr. Marquez shutting down this hotel for good started going around after the damage the last manager caused.”

“Apparently you are his last chance at saving this hotel. If you fail then he’ll have no choice but to close down, whether temporarily or permanent, we’re not sure.” Alfred contributed. “Either way it’s bad for us because we’ll be out of jobs if that happens.”

Amelia pursed her lips in concentration, now in working mode. “It can’t be that bad, can it?”

“Oh darling.” Alfred huffed. “It’s worse than that.”

“Why? What exactly happened?” Amelia stood up straight, attentive and alert. “What could the previous manager have done to cause that much damage?”

“Well to begin with, he’s been stealing the hotel’s money and we’re talking big bucks here.” Alfred began.

“One of our major clients pulled out. They refuse to stay at our hotel or host any functions here anymore simply because dear old manager decided to sleep with his eldest daughter the night before her wedding which was supposed to be held here.” Stella rolled her eyes.

“Added to that, we had to pay compensation since the previous manager was still an employee at the hotel. We had to do whatever the customer wanted in order to prevent that from spreading from these four walls.” Said Alfred. “We have a reputation to uphold you see.”

“Added to that damages to property that was never taken care of.” Stella said.

“I see.” Amelia murmured.

“And that is only where it all began.” Said Stella.

“Hmm . . .” Amelia murmured thoughtfully. “Alfred?”