The Mystery of the Ophidians

Chapter 8

Rachel looked to the right and the left. She was in the corridor of the hotel on the first floor. Opposite to her was the janitor's closet where the cleaning equipment and other stuff were kept. When she was sure nobody was looking she quickly opened the door and walked in. It was neat and organized. There were shelves with sprays, rags, clothes, and other equipment. There were new and fresh janitor clothes in clear packaged plastic covers on the racks. She pulled one out and put it in her purse. Then she darted out to her room as quick as she could. The cover apart from the new janitor clothes included a white cap which hid Rachel's hair. She looked almost unrecognizable. Then she walked back to the closet. there was a cleaning trolley filled with sprays, rags, bottles, and other stuff. The front of the trolley had a bin to put trash in. To the back was a bucket with a mop in it. Rachel walked out pulling the trolley with her. 

That morning-

Rachel looked at the reception desk. Betty had gone outside for a while. Rachel looked around and quickly slid behind the desk. There was a fat register with all the people's names. She opened it. There was a yellow slip of paper. It was the hotel's early booking form. Rachel had booked her room a week early and had filled in the form as well. It had a passport size picture of Mr.unibow. His name was Alfonzo Lytle. His age was smudged in ink and before Rachel could get anymore information, she heard the sound of Betty's high heels near the door. Rachel quickly shut the book and walked back to the other side of the desk leaning against it casually. Betty walked in and looked at her. "Are you okay?" Betty asked. "Sure! Why do you ask?" Rachel said trying not to sound nervous. 'Well, I know it must have been hard for you yesterday. you imagined you were kidnapped and all that so I hope you get enough rest." Betty said. Rachel nodded her head and decided she was going to find out about Alfonso Lytle no matter what happens. When she was in her room going through some stuff she had the brilliant idea of going in his room as a room service cleaner.

The cleaners always could access rooms and no one would suspect her.  She grinned.

Now-

Rachel walked to the room. The closer she walked, the louder her heart seemed to beat. She left the trolley outside/ There was a key stand in the janitor's room which had the keys to all the rooms. Rachel had seen Alfonzo leave his room in the morning so she knew she could take a look around his room. She used her keys to open the door. Inside was a mess! It was full of papers, clothes, and nonsense. Before she could do any looking she heard a beeping sound from the laptop. It was on e-mail. He had received a message from someone. Rachel opened it and gasped. At the same time, the door opened. Rachel quickly hid behind the door as it swung open. The man walked in and began looking around. Rachel was afraid her heart's loud beating would be heard. Her thoughts were running wild. What if he found her and he killed her? She was too young to die! She didn't even say goodbye to her family. What would her boss say if she died? Would her sister sell Rachel's house? She snapped out of her death wishes when she saw Alfonzo in the back of the room not even looking in Rachel's direction. Rachel slowly tip-toed out of the room and walked to the janitor trolley. She wanted to just go somewhere else and wait for him to leave so she could check that e-mail. But just as she was leaving, a few spray bottles fell down. Rachel's mind began thinking of her death wishes again. She looked slowly in the direction of Alfonzo's room ducking her head so he couldn't see her face. She looked at him. He hadn't noticed her. She quickly put the spray back on the trolley and was walking back to the janitor's closet when Alfonzo turned around and saw her. "Hey!" He said. His voice was gruff and scary. She turned around careful not to show her face. "Yes." She said softly. "I need this room cleaned." He said and turned around again. Rachel didn't know what to do. She didn't know whether to go and clean it now or wait till later. After mustering up enough courage she said, "Should I clean it now?" her voice was almost cracking. The man turned around. "I'm going out now. Clean it when I'm back in an hour," he said checking his watch. Rachel nodded and walked off.

Rachel waited in her hiding spot near the stairs. She was waiting for Alfonzo to leave while she pretended to check the sprays and bottles on the trolley. Atlast Alfonzo got into the elevator. Rachel quickly walked to the hotel room and opened the door. The room was just as messy as it was before. The computer was still switched on! Rachel thanked her luck and sat down. She began to go through his emails. She hadn't gone far through his inbox before she heard the door opening. Rachel quickly shut the computer down and stood up. Standing in front of the door was a room cleaner. "Oh," she said. "You're already cleaning this room? This one comes from my side of the hotel. You're probably the new cleaner right?" the room cleaner said. Rachel nodded. "Your rooms are on the second floor. I'll do this room." the room cleaner continued. Rachel mentally sighed and walked out of the room. She took the elevator to her room and changed back into her normal clothes.

5 minutes later-

Rachel sat near the swimming pool. The water was shimmering clear. Rachel had only read the subject of the e-mail but she knew that she needed to read the e-mail. As her legs soaked in the cold water of the swimming pool she tried to put the puzzle together. Someone was trying to kill her. Why? Who? She needed some evidence. She had too many questions and no answers. Tomorrow, she promised herself she would get at least a few answers.

A/N- tell me what you think guys. Mystery of the Ophidians is #24! And more amazing is the fact that it has 87 reads! That is just amazing guys. Thank you all so much! Huge hugs and lots of thanks.