The plane finally lands, rumbling along the ground before it halts to a stop. Sicily is beautiful this time of year. Even during the winter months, the sun shines brightly, radiating warmth throughout. Hale steadies himself when he stands and stretches. Even in first class, using a commercial airline is not as comfortable and plush as his private jet. But sadly, his jet is under repair, and while he could find another mode of transportation, he is focused on getting to Kat. Comfort is not his first priority.

Although, taking a private jet would have been much more enjoyable.

"First class passengers may now exit." The voice over the loudspeaker announces. Promptly, Hale grabs his over-head luggage and makes his way down the aisle.

He didn't get much sleep last night. One part being eager to see Kat, but another was planning. Even spontaneous visits have to be planned. Hale needs to be able to find Kat in time for her big job, and he doesn't have much time.

For the past month, she had planned to visit the Grand Villa Astalia. The current owners are completely unaware of the priceless painting cased between the brick walls of their fireplace. If things go well, they'll never find out.

Sneak out, take the painting, and be home safely. It is an easy job, nonetheless, but risky to do alone. Hale would be glad to help, and help he will. Her heist launches tomorrow, and he is determined to find her before then.

The chilled air inside the airport refreshes Hale's mind with every step. As he walks, he tunes into conversation in hope of gaining useful information.

"El aeropuerto perdió mi equipaje! No puedo creerlo! Yo estaba en primera clase, que se puede esperar un mejor servicio," A woman complains in rapid Spanish. No, that won't help. Many other languages weave into various conversations but none of which aid the young billionaire.

Then he finally catches a bit of information that might be of use. "Hotel Romani," a stout businessman says with an accented English. A hint of Russian, maybe? Hale ponders.

"Good hotel, very nice quality. I've gotten a hold of the Diamond Penthouse Suite," the man adds boastfully, causing his companion to chuckle.

"Ah, Romanov. Always the best for you. Go big or go home, that is what the Americans say, yes?" The two slip into Russian, and though Hale can follow along if he chooses to, he already has all the information he needs.

~~::Again::~~

Hotel Romani. He finds it quite ironic Kat chose to stay in a hotel of this name. But it's close to the Villa, providing the easy access she needs. It is a nice choice, anyway. The entire place yelled 'luxury,' from the gleaming chandeliers dangling above, plush velvet seating, to the embellished mahogany check-in desk.

Hale clears his throat and readies a slight Russian accent. "Hello, miss. I would like to check in."

"Right away, sir. Name?"

"Romanov. I believe I booked the Diamond Penthouse Suite."

The woman looks up at him strangely. "Oh, I was expecting an older gentleman. A Mr. Anton Romanov?"

"Oh, yes. He is my uncle," he lies smoothly. "I was sent to bring his luggage to his room."

She seems to still have doubts. Hale flashes a charming, honest smile to swerve her judgement. After a bit more discussion, she deems him trustworthy. Additional details are taken care of, and the next minute a sleek key card is handed to him. Too easy.

DIAMOND PENTHOUSE SUITE: FLOOR 30. Strolling to the elevator, he marvels at how simple it was to pull this off. A high-end, top society hotel got bested by a sixteen year old billionaire-turned-thief. Nice.

With a resounding ding the elevator halts to a stop on the top floor. The ambiance is as luxurious as the lobby, adorned with similar decoration. There are two other suites, dubbed the Ruby and Emerald, and the Diamond is at the end of the hall.

Once inside, Hale realizes it's called the Diamond Suite for a reason. The entrance opens into a grand, spacious room, with a kitchen and bar area in one area, and a large living space taking up the rest of the space. In the far back is a window that spans the entire wall and allows anyone to revel the breathtaking view of the Sicilian countryside. The Ruby and Emerald seem to have similar views, but the Diamond offers the best of all.

"Mr. Romanov, you picked such a nice room," Hale ponders aloud. "Too bad you'll never get to see it." After retrieving his laptop, he accesses the hotel's mainframe in no time. While he doesn't have as much experience as Simon, he still knew enough to get through. He obtains the guest list and scrolls down to find his dear 'uncle' Romanov.

"Here you are..." Hale clicks on the name, hits a few keys, and transfers Anton Romanov to a different suite. "I hope you'll like the Ruby Suite. I'm going to be using your Diamond for the time being." Taking care of the room situation is easy, but now there's Kat to focus on. Finding Kat won't be the easiest task. Would she have used her real name to check in? Even though it isn't likely, he types in "Katarina Bishop" and hits search.

A knock comes at the door, interrupting his thoughts. "Come in!" he answers, then realizes letting a stranger might not be the best idea. What if they realize Romanov never had siblings, much less a nephew? Or, even worse, it's Anton himself? It is just past noon, he shouldn't be here until later!

The door swings open, and Hale releases the breath he was holding in. A young man wearing a maroon suit walks in, donned with a name tag that reads 'Harvey'. Just a bellboy.

"Hello... Mr. Romanov?" Harvey trails off in question. "I wasn't expecting-"

"Yeah, he's my uncle. I'm his nephew, Nick." He inwardly winces at his name choice. Nick. That double-crossing, no-good, British runt Kat picked up off the streets. He hopes he never sees him ever again.

The bellboy recovers quickly. "Yes, of course! Well, Mr. Nick, how are you finding everything?"

"Just fine."

"Excellent! Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No, thank you." Harvey nods and makes to the door. Hale returns his attention to the screen. 0 Guest Matches Found for 'Katarina Bishop.' He sighs. Of course. Hale looks back up to the bellhop. Harvey.

Maybe he should... Would it help... It seems like a last resort type of thing... But did he have any other options at the moment?

"Wait, Harvey!" He stops before reaching the door and turns back around.

"Yes, you actually can help. Has a girl checked in here today? Short, dark brown hair, sapphire blue eyes, about this tall?" He gestures to about his shoulder level.

"Maybe... Why do you ask?" Harvey answers slowly.

How to word this. Well, my dear Kat traveled around the world to this hotel to sneak into the Villa and steal a painting, while I'm trying to fess up my feelings to make sure she never leaves me again.

"She's my girlfriend and we have some... things to work out. You know how women can be," Hale adds, in hope Harvey could relate.

Harvey nods in understanding. "I hear you, man. Oh, um, I mean Mr. Nick. Sir."

Hale laughs. "It's fine. So... did you see her?"

He thinks for a while. "Actually, yes! I think I did. A girl that looks like what you described checked in earlier today."

"What was her name?"

"I'm not exactly sure. But I do know she's staying in Room 302 on the tenth floor."

"Really? Thanks!"

The eager bellhop beams, satisfied he did his job. He is deserving, so Hale tips generously with a fifty dollar bill.

Next goal: find Room 302, and find Kat.