“What is she drinking?” Evelyn asked.

“Something new as a special request,” Cecil said. “Ward’s Orange Crush.”

He brought up a bottle from behind the counter. It looked like a beer bottle with a longer neck, clear glass and a ribbed design. Evelyn smirked at the sight of the ribbed pattern but did not comment on that feature specifically.

The liquid was orange vaguely reminiscent of real fruit juice. She guessed there was more to it than that. Evelyn would likely try it by the end of the night, depending how things went.

The fact there was a Georgian here was not unusual. They would surely exploit the nature of this hotel to perform all manner of diabolical experiments. Vampires aren’t the only inhuman guests this hotel will see.

She assumed that all manner of men tried to approach the red haired lass, and got nowhere. If they were informing Evelyn of the Georgian presence, then the powers that be were willing to see if this agent was receptive to advances from the fairer sex… we aren’t even sure they’re human.

This time Evelyn used a compact mirror from her clutch purse to get a better look. As she quickly powered her nose, her green eyes were fixated on the fiery redhead sitting alone at the table.

Evelyn noticed the coaster had a note on it. She gave it a quick peek as only a vampire could, appearing as though her head was two places at once before raising a brow.

Cecil nodded to confirm what she read. The news left her a bit perplexed, but nevertheless was enjoying how this evening was shaping up.

Georgians were an independent party on the international stage. They possessed advanced technology coveted by every major player, including vampires and hunters. The Grand itself would be impossible to safeguard if not for the Georgian Gargoyles who monitored the wall separating the hotel from the werewolf infested wilds.

Evelyn quickly perused the menu. While she practically memorized the menu and entry caught her eye. She smiled and decided to break new ground.

“There you go,” Cecil said while leaving her with a glass of champagne.

Evelyn noticed the coaster had a note on it. She gave it a quick peek as only a vampire could, appearing as though her head was two places at once before raising a brow.

Part of her role here was to help the vampiric staff learn the latest lingo. The primary goal of The Grand was to hide among the sheep and was a challenge when everyone sounded as though they were embalmed prior to the reign of Queen Victoria.

Cecil smirked and passed on the menu. It generally varied little, but that would change once the guests rolled in.

“Coming right up,” Cecil said.

“I’m hesitant to ask why,” Evelyn said while flashing a smile.

“Let’s say some of the dearly departed from a massacre fifty years ago have been making rounds.”

“Vraiment?” Evelyn said. (Really?) “I gather they aren’t the most sociable?”

“I think the three dead workers we found would agree with that… So, what will it be tonight?” Cecil asked.

“Let’s start with some giggle water, while I peek at the bill of fare,” Evelyn said.

Again the man smiled, but she had seen warmer mugshots from hardened criminals. At least he’s trying.

“Avoid the east wing for the next week or so,” Cecil said.

Evelyn was slowly making her way through The Grand decorating rooms as inspiration struck. Occasionally there were mechanical issues affecting the lighting and ventilation, but those rarely hindered her progress.

“I’m hesitant to ask why,” Evelyn said while flashing a smile.

He looked as though he had never seen the light of day which was most likely true for a vampire. His hair was always greasy, a trait that was nearly unheard of for their kind.

That explained why the few people there were spread throughout. They went to the bar as needed for a refill or to make an order. Otherwise they avoided mingling with Cecil… especially as the word spreads of his true role around the hotel.

Evelyn had a differing opinion on the situation. The man may have looked like a dime store undertaker, but he also knew what was going on.

“Bonsoir,” Evelyn said as she sat at a stool near the man.

“Good evening,” Cecil said.

The lounge was nearly empty, and that was to be expected. Very few of the human staff needed to run this massive hotel had been hired.

At the bar she spotted a man in a black and white uniform. Despite the smile most people were wary of him. This was Cecil, the hotel’s fixer who often worked in the shadows to ensure everything ran smoothly.

He looked as though he had never seen the light of day which was most likely true for a vampire. His hair was always greasy, a trait that was nearly unheard of for their kind.

The notable exception was a piano bar and lounge located right above the kitchens. This was open because the human staff and guests needed a place to eat. The Grand would never stoop so low as to have a cafeteria and mess hall.

For the most part the lounge was nearly complete. The wooden bar along the far wall, but selection was sorely lacking. Then there was the raised stage occupying the middle of this space with a concert level Grand piano. A shame that they haven’t hired a pianist or even a singer.

Nevertheless music hung in the air, giving the space some well deserved life. Evelyn made the recommendation early on to use a phonograph in the interim to make this place more welcoming.