Shadow of darkness

ลำดับตอนที่ #1 : Chapter 1 : In The Hotel

 

Chapter 1
In The Hotel

"We have a room for you, madam" the old man behind the hotel desk told Lisa.

 

He was a very tall, very thin, with pale skin and watery blue eyes. He wore a black jacket and grubby white shirt.

 

"The weather's so bad, you were both very lucky to get though. I'm afraid there's no staff but me either. No one's been able to get here."

 

"Oh dear," said Lisa, "I'd hope to have a meal" 

 

The old man waved his hand. He smiled politely, showing a row of yellow, uneven teeth.

"I'm the head cook and bottle washer when we get snowed in, madam. There's no need to worry" 

 

"Great," Lisa said with a smile.

 

"I'm afraid the snow's brought the phone lines down too, so you won't be able to contact anyone," the man explained.

 

"Don't worry," said Lisa "No one's expecting me to call or anything."

 

The man nodded. "That's good." He turn the hotel guest register toward her. "Please sign here,madam."

 

Lisa fumbled in her bag. "I'm afraid I don't have a pen."

 

The man produced one from his pocket. "Use mine, madam."

 

Lisa took the pen and sign the register

 

"Can you manage your suitcase by yourself?" The man asked as she handed him back his pen

 

"Yes, I should think so."

 

Lisa picked up her case. It was very light. She never carried much luggage with her when she went travelling. In one case was everything she needed. A change of clothes, cosmetic bag, soap, that kind do thing.

 

Lisa climbed the wide, sweeping staircase up to the first floor of the hotel. Huge,gold-framed portraits of people in old-fashioned clothes lined the walls. They seemed to be staring accusingly down at Lisa as she passed.

 

From the window at the end of the first landing, she could see the snow swirling round the outside lamp - the lamp that guided her though the blizzard to the welcoming arms of the hotel. She had been on the road for hours and had almost given up hope of finding a place to stay the night..