Brother's Loyalty: Endgame

In the Middle of the Night

Content/Trigger Warning: Groping and sexual assault.  Proceed with caution.

The sun had just dipped into the mountain range surrounding the Last Resort. Steward sat at the front desk, sorting the mail, as the other employees finished cleaning up what was left of the buffet. He glanced up as Chambrea emerged from the elevator.

"Hey, Brea," said Steward. "How're you feeling?"

"Pretty okay," Brea replied. "A little tuckered out, but okay."

"Maybe you should take a break," said Steward. Dropping his voice, he added, "There's another guest coming in later tonight. A scientist or something."

"Really? Is there a scientific convention in town?" asked Brea.

"No—Hellen invited him herself. She said she wanted to see his work up close." Steward shuddered. "Why do I feel like—there's something she's not telling us?"

"I feel that way, too," whispered Brea, "but she gave us orders, and we have to follow them. Otherwise..." She paused and glanced about the room.

"Thank God our guests don't know what she's like behind closed doors," said Steward. Indicating the small lounge to his right, he added, "Rest, Brea. Please."

Brea obliged, plopping down onto the sofa and helping herself to a can of soda a random staff member gave her.

"And Brea?"

"Yeah?"

"Maybe once the last guest is situated, we can have dinner—just the two of us," offered Steward.

Brea blushed. "Sure."

Steward smiled. "Great."

Brea reclined on the sofa, relaxing with her drink, and Steward resumed sorting the mail.

...

Just after 7p.m., the door opened, and a small elderly man walked into the lobby, toting suitcases of various sizes. Steward was already there to greet him before he even rang the bell.

"Good evening, sir," said Steward. "Shall I help you with your bags?"

"Sure," said the man, scrutinizing Steward. "Say—why are you wearing a mask?"

"Well—tomorrow's Halloween, isn't it?" Steward asked craftily. "Would you care for something to eat?"

"No, thank you. I had a good tuck-in at a diner earlier," smiled the man. "I'll probably order from room service later, though."

Steward looked over the newest guest as he loaded his bags onto a luggage rack. He was bald, save for a singular tuft of white hair atop his head. His eyes were concealed by a pair of spectacles, and he wore a white lab coat over a suit and tie. This man was quite eccentric, indeed.

"Is the hostess here?" asked the man.

"Why, yes, I am," responded Hellen, gliding down the stairs to greet the man. "Thank you, Professor, for accepting my invitation."

"You're welcome, Ms. Gravely," replied the Professor, taking Hellen's hand and pressing it to his lips.

"You can call me Hellen."

"Okay, Hellen. And thank you for inviting me. Not a lot of people are interested in my work nowadays. And I'm honored that you're interested in my finest ghost collection."