The Cravers

5. Stuck in Traffic

Diana POV

"We are two hours late." I muttered, my eyes rolling for the millionth time in the last hour.

My mind was fuzzy and I lost my sense of hearing through all the honking of the cars. Supposedly a parade was going on two streets away and it cut all the ties with efficiency. I felt like crap. And it didn't help that I was going to my first meeting with my team late with dark eye circles. Great to make the best impression.

   I wish I could disappear back to my hotel pillows.

The driver, Mr. Lowe, smiled grimly through the rear mirror, "Miss, I'm trying my best but I can't do more, we have to wait. I would have suggested you take the sub but since your foreign to the city..."

"I understand," I said wearily. " I can wait." But I don't think the team could. Oh, joy, I'm so late, they could make a trip around the world.

Today didn't began the way I imagined.

It was first with John Perry yelling at me. He paraded me with the news of an unannounced team meeting.  He said he was going to send me his own car for the meeting but I later learned that it broke down. So, he sent me his limo. His limo. Personally, I never liked ostentatiously showing off but this car was sick. It would be more enjoyable if the actually ride was smooth. 

Last night was also an episode I was reluctant to pass. The nightmare itself wasn't scary at all. His voice was what gave me the fulfillment of agony. It was what appealed me the most and haunted me the greatest.

Redemption love....

I shuddered, the blood flow stopping from my fingertips. I rubbed them together.

Half an hour later, we reached the Lamberg Hotel. 

Two golden lions stood on either side of the entrance door. Each were surrounded by elegant flowers and bushes complementing the smooth shimmer which was being cast by the dull sun.  I whisked inside the hotel in a whim.

Wow.

My eyes took a while to adjust to the drop-dead gorgeous scenery. The walls had a tint of beige sheen complimented by a massive chandelier. My foot sunk in the lush red carpet. I could clearly tell it was just washed. Not a spot. A hint of lemon reached my nose. The cleaner.

Strategically, I made my way to the first receptionist, cutting a snaking line.

"Excuse me!" I said to the lady sitting behind one of the desks.

She looked up, surprised. "Good morning miss. How can I help you?"

"My name is Diana Holland. I had an appointment two hours ago. I am here to check in to meet the team." 

She nodded and scrolled through her computer. "Just a moment..." Her brows furrowed. "You are lucky, they are still checked in. Go upstairs and take a right turn after you spot A27 hallway. You cannot miss it. It'll say Conference Room 201 with a red label."

I thanked her and rushed up the stairs. My eyes immediately followed two guys  wearing identical jackets. It was just like the one I had on now. My normal uniform. A black jacket with the last name stitched on the chest. Both had the title: Detector Eddins. Except mine had Detector Holland.

"Hey you two!" I waved.

One of them looked up. He gave me an odd look before realization sunk in and a smile crept his lips. "Hey Bat. Looks like we found our last candidate!" He motioned the guy beside him.

Bat gazed at me for a brief disinterested second. When his eyes locked with mine, I couldn't help but swoon. He was gorgeous with a sharp bone structure and soft full lips. Eyes grey as smoke yet piercing like light.