HIDDEN SECRETS by Catherine Lambert

were really noisy. The next time I looked up she was gone. Oh, just a minute; that’s not right. She asked me for a bottle of wine and told me to charge it to a room. I’ll have to look it up, I can’t remember the number.” He quickly flicked through the bar memo, then looked up at Alex and said.
    “Room 137.”
    “Was that Ben’s room?” Kate asked, already knowing the answer.
    “Yes,” he replied quietly.
    “Don’t you think you’re assuming too much Kate?” Alex asked. “Ben might have had a car accident, or he could have been abducted by someone,” he added.
    “Would that be before or after he entertained the stunning young woman with long black hair?” Kate glared at him.
    “Let’s just forget about that for now,” Alex avoided her stare.
    “That’s easier said than done.”
    “I know Kate, but try to listen to what I’m saying.”
    “O.K. let’s say he has had a car accident,” she said, “If someone had found him, he could be identified from his business cards in his briefcase; and I assumed again you’d already phoned the local hospitals,” she enquired sharply, instantly regretting her brusque manner.
    “No I haven’t actually; I’ll get someone on to it straightaway.”
    “Why did you say he could have been abducted? That’s a strange thing to say,” Kate quizzed him.
    “It’s a possibility, and it would explain why he left so early without speaking to me.”
    “That’s ridiculous; he can’t abduct himself, he left alone remember?  It’s obvious why he left so early in the morning, so no one would see him. He must have something or someone to hide, probably the latter.”
    “This is getting us nowhere. Would you like something to eat?” he asked sensing her agitation.
    “Why would I want something to eat?” she replied indignantly.
    “You can’t think straight on an empty stomach.”
    “I don’t think I could eat anything.”
    “What about a sandwich, you really should try to eat something?”
    “Alright, but just something light please,” she agreed realising he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.
    “Do you want a drink?”
    She hesitated, “just a small white wine please.”
    Alex ordered the meal and drinks from the bar, and re-joined her a few minutes later.
    “I should be out looking for my husband,” Kate looked despondent.
    “I really don’t think there’s anything more you can do, you’ll just have to be patient.”
    Kate didn’t reply she knew he was right, but she still felt guilty even though she was very angry at her husband’s betrayal.
    A waitress appeared at the table and presented them with a huge selection of sandwiches, and a basket of fresh salad, Kate picked up a sandwich and nibbled at it. She opened her mouth to speak as Mrs. Oliver approached them.
    “Excuse me Mr. Lawton. I’ve contacted all the hospitals and there has been no admission by the name of Ben Preston. There have been a number of car accidents, but none of the victims fit his description.”
    “Well that sounds like good news, thank you Mrs. Oliver,” he smiled.
“If there’s nothing else, I’m going off duty now. I shall be on holiday for two weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Gilroy will be sharing the reception duties while I’m away,” she informed him.
    “Not that dreadful woman, she really isn’t hotel reception material,” Alex winced.
    “Would you like me to get a replacement from the agency?” she asked.
    “No not at the moment, I’ll have a word with her later. Have a nice holiday Mrs. Oliver.”
“Thank you,” she smiled and turned away.
    Kate also took the opportunity to leave, and stood up.
    “Thank you for your hospitality Alex. If you don’t mind I’d like to take a shower and have an early night.”
    “You hardly touched your food,” he remarked noticing the half-eaten sandwich.
    “I’m sorry, I’m too anxious to eat,” she apologised.
    Shall I pick my keys up from reception?” she added.
    “I’ll come with you,” he stood