Both men studied the screen as if it displayed something extraordinary. The manager then turned to me with an overly formal smile.
“Ms Dawson,” he said carefully, “we will prepare a suite for you immediately and your stay will be complimentary.”
“Complimentary,” I repeated with confusion.
“Yes of course,” he answered quickly while signaling a bell attendant to carry my bag.
“Please allow us a moment to confirm some information.”
The sudden shift from casual service to nervous respect left me uneasy. Guests nearby whispered while the staff exchanged urgent phone calls behind the counter.
Within an hour a dark sedan arrived outside the inn and two well dressed individuals stepped inside the lobby. They introduced themselves as representatives from a private financial institution and politely asked if I would accompany them to a nearby office.
Curiosity and fear traveled together through my mind. Still I agreed.
The office building they drove me to appeared discreet and almost anonymous from the outside. Inside however the environment felt more like a government facility than a bank.