HIDDEN SECRETS by Catherine Lambert Page A

up.
    Alex heard Mrs. Gilroy’s unpleasant voice before he caught sight of her behind the reception desk, and cringed as she opened her coarse mouth to speak.
    “Thank you Mrs. Gilroy but I haven’t lost the use of my ears, could you please lower your voice.” Although she was a smartly dressed woman, her verbal tirades were embarrassing. She was a middle-aged woman who wore her grey peppered hair in a neat bun, and a moderate application of foundation and eye make-up. Her appearance was aesthetically pleasing, and if she was not required to indulge in conversation, she would have been a perfect receptionist!     
    “I’m sorry Mr. Lawton but my hubbie is hard of hearing and I have to keep shouting at him. I can’t seem to stop doing it, we got thrown out of the library last week,” she smirked.
    “Then get him a hearing aid.”
    “He’s waiting for an appointment.”
    “O.K Mrs. Gilroy, could I have the keys to the Lotus Suite please,” he interrupted her 
    “Right you are Mr. Lawton,” she beamed which irritated Alex.
    “The keys,” Alex held out his hand.
    Kate resisted the temptation to smile, and distanced herself from the desk as Alex clutched the keys in his hand and leaned forward. He whispered something to Mrs. Gilroy, which Kate didn’t hear, but it was scathing enough to instantly wipe the smile from the woman’s face.
    “This way Kate,” Alex proceeded briskly towards a set of double doors which led into a hallway at the end of which, The Lotus Suite was located. Above the door was an elaborate carving of two inter-twined flowers.
    “Is this the honeymoon Suite?” Kate was intrigued by his choice of accommodation for her. A half-smile spread across Alex’s face.
    “Not exactly,” he paused as he slid the key into the lock, and held the door open for her to enter. These rooms are for my personal use, but not at the moment. I moved out a few weeks ago; I’ve taken a room on the ground floor as a temporary measure, and for the time being, they can be used by family and friends at my discretion.”
    “Which group do I belong to?” she asked, stepping into the luxuriously carpeted room.
“I suppose you’re somewhere in between,” he replied vaguely.
    Unsure of what to make of his comment, she remained silent and glanced round the beautiful rooms. The luxury it afforded was beyond her comprehension, words didn’t exist to describe it. Suffice to say it was elaborate to the point of vulgarity. Five rooms comprising of a bedroom with a king-sized four poster bed draped in red silk, a lounge with its own optics and bar, a fully fitted kitchen, dining room and huge marble and glass bathroom, completed the Lotus Suite. Outside, a games room and mini gymnasium added to the splendour the Suite offered, but Kate was uncomfortable with her host’s choice of accommodation.
    “So what do you think?” he asked after her perusal.
    “It’s very” she hesitated, “impressive.”
    Picking up a framed photograph of two men; one of whom was obviously Alex, Kate enquired of the identity of the younger looking man.
    “A friend,” was all he would say.
    “Shall I arrange for your luggage to be sent up?” he asked wanting to change the subject.
    Deep feelings of guilt washed over Kate as she glanced around the room.
    “Don’t think I don’t appreciate your hospitality, but I really can’t stay in here tonight. Could I just have a single room?” she asked hesitantly.
    “Are you sure I can’t change your mind?” he attempted to persuade her.
    “I’m sorry Alex, my minds’ made up.”
    “I understand,” he nodded
    Kate walked past him and made her way back to the reception desk. Alex followed closely behind, and spoke to Mrs. Gilroy.
    “Room 137, is vacant Sir,” she replied courteously.
    “Is there anything else?” she added.
    “Not at the moment Mrs. Gilroy,” he turned to Kate.
    “There’s a single room available, but it was the one Ben’s was staying in,” he informed