Safe

Part Four

I still had no idea who he was, where he came from, or what his motives were. He looked like someone out of a 1930's movie, yet it was 2015.
I said his name over and over again in my head so I wouldn't forget it: James March. And he had disappeared after I fell asleep again.
I decided to go downstairs to get a drink at the bar. I had brought nothing with me, so I didn't have to bring anything.
I sat down at the bar, and the same transvestite woman from last night was the bartender.
"What can I get you, sweetie?" She asked, leaning on the bar. She was bald, had long dangling earrings in, heavy makeup, and a long dress that hugged her petite figure.

I then groaned, "Shit..."

She looked at me sympathetically, she knew what I had come here for. And probably could tell that I had left my purse at home, not intending to use the cash in my wallet.

"It's on me, honey." She suddenly said, "Whatcha want?"

"A martini would be nice." I said, sluggishly. "Thank you."

She began shaking the different drinks together. "I'm Liz, and I never thought I'd see you again after your dramatic entrance last night?"

"Yeah...that. It was nothing. I'm Hope." I gave her a small smile as she set down my drink, after pouring it into a glass from the drink shaker.

"Well sweetheart, I'm glad you're here. I was getting a bit lonely." Liz chuckled and poured herself a martini as well.

I smiled slightly, and looked down at my drink. That's when I looked back up and asked the question I was dying to get the answer to. "Do you know who...James March is?" I asked quietly.

Liz smirked, "Yes, he built this place. Don't tell me you're getting involved with him, dear."

"Well..he saved my life last night. And he told me that he's dead. I thought I was hallucinating..." I sighed.

"He seemed very fond of you last night when you walked in. He looked at you like he has never looked at anyone before." Liz explained. "But he's dangerous, you see. He built this hotel 80 years ago as a way to murder all who checked in. And yeah this place can make anyone feel a little insane from time to time."

I took in everything she said, like it was a lecture given by a professor who was giving a test the next day.

"So...he's a-" I began, but then got cut off.

"Ghost. Yes." I heard from the other side of the room. The deep voice, the accent. My face grew red.

"Speak of the devil." Liz chuckled and began fixing up a different stick, which I assumed was for James. He walked over and sat next to me, he was wearing a white dress shirt, a bow tie, and suspenders. His hair was perfect and slicked back again, as if nothing ever happened the night before.

"Well aren't you going to say hello?" James smirked, clearly messing with me.
I didn't say anything, but Liz did.
"Honey, why don't you go to your room. And take your drink with you." She smiled, and reached across the bar to touch my shoulder.
I did as she said and stood from the bar, making my way over to the elevator.

James watched as I left and once I was gone, turned to Liz and grabbed her by the front of her dress, baring his teeth.

"What the hell was that for?!" He growled, "That was my first real chance to talk to her."

"Mhm." Liz rolled her eyes, "What's she really for, Mr. March?" She pushed him off of herself, then dusted her dress off.

"What do you mean? She's a guest here, is all." James chuckled nervously.

"Usually the guests are dead by now and sucked dry. But not her. You saved her." Liz put her hands on her hips and sighed, staring at him awaiting an answer.

"Yes, well..." James heated up and fanned himself lightly. "I've been trying to limit the amount of ghosts in the hotel. It's getting crowded."

Liz saw right through him, everybody could. It was all so clear. James Patrick March never fell in love, and when he did, everyone knew.

"Why do you love her?" Liz asked him, ignoring his bullshit excuse he had given.

"I don't love her!" He yelled, as Liz gave him a drink that was green in color. He quickly slammed it and changed the subject, "Doesn't hit me like it did when I was alive, but I wish it did." He grumbled as he got up and stomped away.