Jenni was running out of time so she hailed down a taxi. "Afternoon Ma'am." the driver said. "Afternoon. Can you take me to Mirabel Hotel please?" Jenni responded. "Sure. It's just a little way past here." Jenni got into the car, reached into her coat, pulled out a small bag of coins, and handed it to the driver. He opened up the parcel and his face immediately lit up, "These are...they're...are they..." "Yes, that is real gold sir. Now, can we please get going? I'm in a hurry." "Yes ma'am...of course ma'am!"
It only took two minutes to get to the hotel. When the car stopped, the driver asked, "Would you like me to wait for you miss?" "No thank you. You have been very helpful this afternoon." Jenni replied. "As have you miss. And thank you again! The world should count itself blessed to have you walking around in it! You have yourself a god-blessed day!" The driver drove off and Jenni said "That was unnecessary. Appreciated but not necessary." The cat turned to face the massive hotel. It had to be the most gorgeous building she had seen.
As she scanned the building, Jenni's eyes rested on a window on the 4th floor. A pair of bright green eyes were peering out and were looking directly at her. Jenni squinted to try and make out a silhouette, but the figure's eyes had moved out of sight. Jenni stared at the window for a few more seconds before walking inside. The hotel was a beautiful gold and white. Pictures of flowers hung from the walls and the lobby smelled of fresh fruit. Jenni walked to the front desk, visibly impressed.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. Can I help you?" the clerk asked. "Yes, I'm looking for Mr. Asa Sweet. I have a meeting with him today at 3:00." Jenni said. The clerk smiled, "Oh, you must be Ms. Graves. Mr. Sweet isn't in right now, but I can show you to your room if you like and when he comes in, I can phone you." "My room?" Jenni asked. "Yes ma'am." the clerk said, "Mr. Sweet asked me to prepare a room for you." "I'll just wait in the lobby until he comes in if that's ok." Jenni said, looking uncomfortable. "Of course." the clerk said.
"Begging your pardon but is Mirabel Hotel known to be haunted by any chance?" Jenni asked. The clerk looked at her with curiosity, "Haunted...You mean like ghosts?" "Yes, what other form of Haunted is there, regarding an establishment?" Jenni asked, "I saw two green eyes staring at me from the 4th floor when I arrived. I was unable to make out any facial features or silhouette." "No miss, I don't believe there are any ghosts lurking around here. It could've been anyone on the 4th floor." Jenni glanced at the staircase.
"Odd, well perhaps it might've been my imagination. I hope I did not startle you with my question." Jenni said. "It's ok miss, it's not the weirdest thing someone's asked me. No offense." the clerk said nervously. "None taken. Now if you'll excuse me." Jenni said. She looked back at the staircase to see an elegantly dressed cat staring at her. The cat had the same glowing green eyes as the figure in the window. He had black and white fur and was wearing a flawless tuxedo and spectacles. Jenni didn't seem startled by him but slightly annoyed.
Jenni and the strange cat exchanged suspicious glances at each other before the latter walked out of the dark staircase and moved swiftly over to the bar in the lobby. "Who is that young man?" Jenni asked. "Ma'am?" the clerk asked. "That tuxedo cat at the bar. Who is he?" Jenni gestured to the strange feline. "Oh, him? He's one of Mr. Sweets guys. He's been around here a few times." "Do you know his name?" "Sorry, I'm not good with names and faces." "You knew mine."
"That's because you're the only one who has an appointment with Mr. Sweet." Jenni glanced back at the strange cat. He was glancing at her too. "Handsome fella, isn't he?" the clerk asked. "Very." Jenni said blandly, "He's definitely one of the most sophisticated gentlemen I've seen." The clerk glanced at Jenni, rubbing his neck, "I know I don't know him, but I can try and introduce you to that cat." Jenni grinned, "Thank you, young man. That won't be necessary. You have been of great assistance."
Jenni sat down in a seat facing the bar and pulled out her book. She kept glancing back at the strange cat who wasn't moving from his position. She pulled out a Beretta M950 and placed it on her lap. She flicked her tail back and forth as she waited. She glanced at her watch which read 3:15. "He's late. I wonder how often that happens." "Very." said a dark voice. Jenni looked up to see a large black cat looming over her. A more slim, gray and white cat was standing next to him. Jenni sized them up, "You know him?"
"Yes, I work with him. You could say I'm his muscle." Jenni eyed the larger cat curiously, "You strike me more of the owner of this establishment. You certainly have the criteria for it." The cat chuckled gruffly, "You're too kind miss". "So, who is this Mr. Sweet? Does he have any interests? Any addictions? Any disorders?" Jenni asked. "You're a curious one...isn't she Fish." The gray cat cleared his throat, "Indeed." "Fish?" Jenni asked. "It's just a stage name." Fish replied, "His is Weasel Face." The big cat growled,
"Fish, I am not above breaking the nose of an idiot in front of a beautiful lady." Jenni glared at the larger cat, who cleared his throat, "A thousand apologies madam. My name is Wes. Wes Clyde. And may I ask your name miss?" "Jenni Graves, charmed, I'm sure." Fish gasped, "Graves? Like Bruce Graves, owner of Graves Railways?" "Yes, he was my father." Jenni replied. "Well," Wes said, impressed, "I hope you have a wonderful day Ms. Graves. Mr. Fish and I have some business to take care of."
"It was nice meeting you Ms. Graves." Fish said. "Jenni, please. And it was an honor meeting two of Mr. Sweets finest. I look forward to working with you." Fish tipped his hat to Jenni and Wes nodded. When the two were gone, Jenni looked over at the bar and the strange cat was gone. She looked around the lobby. No sign of him. Jenni got back to her book while still keeping a sharp eye out for the strange tuxedo cat, glancing back up from her book and down again.