Cold

FOUR

Four

Anelia stood at the far end of the conference room and paid attention to what their manager was saying. Mr Furler was currently stood on the small stage on the other end of the room, a mic in his right hand. His voice boomed in the room, as he addressed the entire hoard of staff about an important matter.

"Now, I know it's completely short notice but there's only so much one can do when graced with the Black family."

Whispers rose up in the room. It sounded like bees were buzzing around the room with the way people animatedly whispered about the Black family. Mr Furler patted the mic causing the entire room to immediately quiet down.

"It goes without saying that for the entirety of the month, you will all have to be on your most impeccable behaviour and work just as hard. I'll not have my record downgraded or soiled," he spoke with unmistakable authority. He paused for a second letting everyone realise that he meant every word that he spoke.

"As such," he continued. "I have decided to divide schedules down to every member of staff, depending on your capabilities and most importantly, how much you take your job here at La Vida seriously. This is on a scale of zero to ten."

Some people groaned lowly, while some excitedly waited for Mr Furler to continue. The Dappers, who always sat around the large table in the middle of the room just sat there, no emotions whatsoever.

Anelia just blinked and wondered what the excitement was all about. At the end of the day, work was work to her. She actually could not wait to start doing her job already. She patiently stood leaning against the wall, waiting for whatever was about to be said next.

"Having said that, some of you will be working in the penthouse as well as the rest of the floor, either cleaning or delivering the guests' food. Some of you will be working in the rest of the floors."

"However, there are some changes which have to be taken into account indefinitely. Every floor, from now up until the Black family decides to leave our esteemed Hotel, shall only have a total of ten workers."

Ten? Anelia thought to herself. From around twenty people per floor to ten. She could not understand the reasoning behind the notion. Why did the presence of this family suddenly cause so much upheaval?

"Hear me out," he continued at the display of the worried looks on probably most of the staff. "This is simply to avoid crowding in the hotel. The Black family is very particular about their privacy. As such, we found it needed to cut down to only ten workers."

He shuffled the papers he had placed on the shiny glass pulpit. Finally lifting his head, he looked around the room. He checked his wristwatch, resulting in Anelia involuntarily checking her own. It was now fifteen minutes before nine o'clock. Almost a whole hour wasted, she thought wistfully.

Once again looking at them all, he spoke. "Due to the hour, I'll not be uncovering the schedules as planned. Rather, specified individuals will bring to each of you your designated schedule for this coming month. It will be in your best interests to stick to that schedule as soon as you get it," he spoke offhandedly leaving no room for any discussion.

"You're all dismissed."

Mr Furler exited through one of the side doors, leaving behind murmurs. Excited, shocked, horrified. You name it. Everyone had some sought of reaction. All except Anelia. She simply slid out past the door and went to get the cleaning equipment.

As she exited the elevator, she went smack on the wall, only avoiding being run into by a group of men in black suits by a hair's breadth. They rushed past her and into the elevator, no doubt intent on getting to their destination.