He glanced at his watch, noticing that it was nearly ten in Atlanta. Damn… It was much later than he anticipated; too late to call, really. But he had no choice. He'd promised, unintentionally anyway, that he'd call Mel every night while she was gone. And he'd already broken that promise. His eyes moved to Daphne who was quietly working on the puzzle. Now that the mystery had been solved, finishing the puzzle didn't seem quite so important. But he was happy to see her so content. He didn't want to leave her, even for a little while. But he certainly couldn't make a phone call to Mel in Daphne's presence. It would be awkward for everyone involved. Slowly he rose from the sofa.
"Daphne, would you mind if I did some work in my office for a little while?"
She smiled "No, not at all."
"Good. Um, can I get you anything? Something to eat or drink? Are you warm enough?"
"I'm fine. Thank you Dr. Crane. Take all the time you need. I promise I won't bother you. I'll just keep myself occupied here."
"Okay, well... I won't be long. But if you need anything…"
"Go do your work, all right?"
"Okay, but I won't be long. I-."
She gave him a look he knew all too well and he chuckled softly. But his smile disappeared when he reached his study and closed the door. He was not psychic, the way Daphne claimed to be, but it didn't take a premonition or any psychic ability to know that the conversation with Mel would not go well.
He pulled out the leather chair and sat down, his heart pounding in his chest. He had no idea what he was going to say to her, but they had a lot to talk about. It was a conversation that he most certainly didn't want to have, but he'd been a coward long enough. It was time that he stood up for himself and for what he believed in; true love. He did not love Mel and she deserved to know the truth.
The phone receiver was in his hand and he dialed information. Almost instantly the recorded greeting began to play:
"What city, please?"
"Um, Atlanta… Georgia." He stammered, almost grateful to be speaking to a machine rather than an actual person.
"What listing, please?"
He hesitated. Damn, which hotel was she staying at again? Oh yes, of course. The Four Seasons. Nothing but the best, even when she was away on business. He couldn't blame her, though. The Four Seasons had a stellar reputation and the hotel brand was, by all accounts, the ultimate in luxury.
"Four Seasons." He managed to blurt out.
"Please hold for the number."
He grabbed a pen and a piece of paper, poised to write.
"The number is area code 404-881-9898. Again that number is… area code 404-881-9898. For an additional charge-."
He pushed the button to end the call and sat for a moment, trying to calm himself. And when his heart rate slowed, he began to dial. "404-881-9898" he repeated, slowly pressing each number. It began to ring and ring. And suddenly the ringing stopped.