The truth About cypher ✓

The Hotel

Laila was nervous.

Scratch that. Laila felt like she was going to lose her damn mind.

She sent a quick look towards the display board of the hotel. It was reflecting its light on the car screen, slightly irritating Laila's eyes. Warm yellow lights came from the windows of the hotel, everything was so similar. It had to be similar.

The hotel's name shined bright: the Lion Palace, underneath a plate attached: managed by Ali Raza co.
Of course, the hotel was Ali Raza's. Why wouldn't it be? Kazan loved to laugh at Laila's pale face, so much it kept creating opportunities to do just that.

Laugh at her helplessness.

"Calm down."

"I AIN'T CALM." Laila clicked her tongue, folding her arms like a whining child. 

"Well, you should be. Laila, Ali Raza is out of Russia, he doesn't know you're here. Heck! He doesn't even know what this function is for. He's just a shareholder." As if that was enough to calm her down, Laila sighed, trying to act how her teacher expected her to behave.

The car entered two large gates, driving around a lush green lawn. Laila wondered how they managed to keep it green in October. Everything was shiny, multiple lights were blinking around the doorway, even the valet had his podium shining. The Lion Palace was massive and ancient, surrounded by high white walls that kept it hidden from the outside road. The actual hotel was a drive of its own, the gardens and courtyard covering half the land. The windows had tall glass covers, no cheap plastic or fiber to protect their edges. It truly was luxurious.

The car stopped in front of a grand staircase, leading to the entrance. Dimitri stepped out first, getting the passes and proceeding with all the formalities. The car fell silent, just the engine interrupting it.

Laila opened her purse, reaching in for a pretty box laced and covered with rice paper. She sighed before getting it out in front of Brutus. Brutus did not notice what she was doing. Laila gently nudged him, his eyes lingering on the rice paper.

"What is it?"

"A gift." Brutus arched his eyebrow, hesitantly taking the box. He traced the rice paper, the lace covering it before pulling it open.

"A knife." He sighed.

Its handle was ebony wood and ivory, the blade covered in faux leather. The bolster had jade embedded, its spine oxidized silver. The cut was perfect, a little heavy but Brutus balanced it in his fingers. It was beautiful. His face twisted an expression glancing at the girl's features, questioning her gesture.

"Gifts are meant for occasions. This is a thank you, for staying with me that night in jail."
She muttered before quickly straightening her back, letting her eyes roam other places. Brutus scoffed under his breath. He traced the rice paper one last time before plunging the knife in the pocket of his blazer. He coughed, clearing his throat before stepping out of the car towards Laila's side.

Opening the door, the girl stepped out holding onto Brutus's arm softly as Dimitri escorted his wife out of the car. The pair nodded towards the chauffeur before striding across the staircase.

"Now remember kids, you take only what the waiter offers you. They want to see YOU so act like that. No need to be imbecile."

Dimitri whispered walking towards the hall. They just nodded, listening to every instruction Dimitri gave and later from Igor who was running late. The man apologized saying he had an important issue that needed immediate attention.

The hall was exactly how Brutus had imagined.

The floor had a Saxony carpet feeling gentle on their shoes. Sofas were placed after equal distance, a glass table in front of each one, People lounging around, wearing cheap brand suits and dresses. Brutus guessed they were the local groups. They walked in further towards the end of the hall, a chandelier hanging proudly. There were several men settled, all over the age of forty for sure, their look screaming we're here for business only. He recognized a few faces. They were on Haidar's computer, the night they searched his office.