HIDDEN SECRETS by Catherine Lambert Page B

her.
    “I don’t mind,” she replied quietly, and followed Alex to the lift, where they travelled in silence to the third floor. Outside room 137, Alex hesitated.
    “Are you sure you want to do this?” he gave her a chance to change her mind.
    Kate nodded as he turned the key in the lock, and pushed open the door.
    “I hope you find this room to your liking. I’ll get your case sent up to you as soon as possible,” he replied.
    “Thank you, I’ll say goodnight then.” Kate wanted to be on her own now.
    “Goodnight Kate, if there’s anything you need just contact reception, there’s a phone in your room and don’t take any cheek from Mrs. Gilroy. I’ll get her replaced tomorrow.”
    Alex took the lift to the ground floor and returned to his office. A few minutes later he was disturbed by a knock on the door.
    “Come in,” he said without looking up.
    Joseph stood in front of him holding an envelope in his hand.
    “This was just delivered for you Mr. Lawton,” he passed it over.
    “Thank you,” Alex took it and glanced briefly at it
    “How long have you been working here Joseph?” he asked.
    “Nearly two months, but I was at your Brixham hotel for two years Mr. Lawton,” he replied.
    “And what are your duties?”
    “I’m a waiter, and I stand in for the bar staff when someone’s ill.”
    “The head waiter has informed me he’ll be leaving at the end of the month. Would you like to take the position?” Alex asked.
    “Yes of course, thank you Mr. Lawton,” the look on his face expressed his gratitude.
    “You’ll receive an increase in your salary, and you’ll need some training, but I’m sure you’ll cope. Now don’t let me down Joseph, this is a responsible position.”
    “I won’t Sir, and thank you again.”
    “I’ve noticed you don’t have your surname on your identity badge, why is that?”
    “No one can spell it or pronounce it properly,” he smirked.
    “Oh I see; what is it then?”
”Szczcepanski”
    “I see what you mean; we’ll leave it as it is.”
    Joseph turned to go, but Alex called him back.
    “Before I forget, I want you to take a case from reception to room 137, it belongs to Mrs. Preston she’s staying over-night.”
    “Yes Sir, isn’t that the room her husband was in?”
    “That’s right Joseph, now if there’s nothing else I’m busy.”
    “No Sir, I’ll see to it straight away.” 
    Joseph left the office, and Alex flicked through a pile of paperwork on his desk. A few minutes later, another knock sounded and he looked up.
    “Come in,” he spoke loudly, and Sean Hughes entered the room.
    “You wanted to speak to me Mr. Lawton?” he enquired nervously.
    “Yes I do. Can you explain to me why you’re never around when I need you?” he asked sternly.
    “I don’t know what you mean?”
    “I was called to reception again,” he emphasised his words, “to deal with a guest, because you were nowhere to be found.”
    “I’ve been busy stock-taking all day,” he lowered his head, to avoid making eye contact with Alex.
    “Stock-taking,” he paused and nodded his head.  “Would that be with Kelly Barnes by any chance?”
    “Yes, she wasn’t sure what to do.”
    “I’ll assume you showed her then?” he replied trying not to smirk, even though he was angry with the young man.
    Sean had nothing to say.
    “Do I look stupid, and don’t answer that question. I know what you’re up to, and this is your last warning. If the standard of your work doesn’t improve in the next two weeks, I’ll have to let you go. Do you understand me?”
    “Yes Sir,” the young man nodded
    “You can go now.” Alex dismissed him and picked up the envelope that Joseph had delivered earlier. It was hand-written, and he tore it open to reveal a two paged document. After reading it carefully, he replaced it back in the envelope and hurried from his office.

CHAPTER 6.
     
     
    SUNDAY MORNING OCTOBER 2 ND
     
     
     
     
    After a restless night Kate woke early,