Fractured Legacy: Aicil Paranormal Files #1

Chapter 4

Jonah

As we enter, I fall back, holding the makeshift plywood door as the girls enter the dark building behind Mr. Roarch. I plan on hanging behind and letting the girls take the lead on the investigation, but I also intend to make sure that nothing gets broken or screwed up in the process. And, there's nothing like acquainting myself with some of the town's history while keeping an eye on Carlisle's "star employees."

As we cross the threshold into the hotel lobby, I get the feeling we're stepping out of the city and into a dank cave where the air feels thick and humid compared the cold winter air outside.

"Flashlights," Mr. Roarch grumbles, kicking a box on the floor as he flicks on the blinding work lights strung up overhead. "There are sections of work lights throughout the building, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup."

"In this job," Cole says, patting the small bag she carried over her shoulder. "We never travel without one."

I tuck my hands in my pockets, letting my gaze drift around the dim room. The work lights may be bright, but the space is enormous, and despite the sorry state of the building, I have to admit that the hotel must've been an impressive sight at one time. Layers of paint and wallpaper chip and peel from nearly every surface and the lobby area is packed with tools and piles of construction debris waited to be cleared out. I nudge some of the debris with the tip of my foot, revealing a beautiful mosaic of burgundy and black tile. Above us, a large mezzanine crops out of the cavernous enclosure. This would have been quite the gathering place in 1920.

My admiration for the architecture is interrupted when Mr. Roarch shoves some paper masks into my hand. "A precaution. You should all wear one while were in the building."

Keeping one for myself, I pass one to each of the girls. Cole takes hers with a faint smile, while Kaylyn's face twists as if to say, my career depends on this?

If I were in her shoes, that's sure as hell what I would be thinking. Instinctively trying to ease the tension, I press my lips into a tight smile, but that only seems to fluster her more.

She really thinks you're out to get her, I think, pulling on my mask.

But, aren't I? Wasn't the part of my orders?

As Mr. Roarch pulls on his own mask, he begins the tour. "This is the lobby. Ms. Sweetwater, the wife of the second owner, used to play piano from the mezzanine overhead. At the time, the hotel had also become a cultural center for the city. Rooms went for three dollars a night, and the hotel entertained an impressive guest list that included Guy Lombardo."

I don't think he's going to get to the point of having us here anytime soon. Despite the hazards under each step, Roarch is treating the whole thing as a museum tour, lightheartedly pointing out each location. "

Where—" I begin, tripping over a piece of loose flooring I didn't notice. "Where was your crew when they noticed something was off?"

"Upstairs," Mr. Roarch grunts, giving me a long flat stare.

This is going to be a long night. I push a groan down to the pit of my stomach, where would have to wait until I'm alone again.

"The elevator was back here." Roarch points. "Is currently little more than an empty shaft but—"

"That's where the first owner, Lawrence Teague died." Kaylyn fills in with unmistakable annoyance.

Mr. Roarch crosses his arms and makes a sound in his throat.

I don't bother to hold back my amused smile since the mask hides most of my face anyway. "We did discuss the history of the hotel earlier this evening. We just need to know the details specific to the incident so we can investigate."