“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.

Evelyn walked the marble circular staircase leading to Grand Hall. The main reception area was still in tatters. The collection of windows providing guests a view of the valley below was a collection of welded steel, wood covers, and tarps. At least it keeps the wind and rain out.

The front desk was missing entirely, in its place there was a large shipping crate. Since the hotel was not officially open, there was nothing else. but a phone in case someone needed assistance.

On either side of her were the east and west wings. Most of it was made up of tarps, scaffolding as the clubs, lounges, and restaurants were still at the design stage.