Page 9 of Death and Desire

“Violet.” Her father’s voice echoed behind her.

She turned to see him waiting outside the car, his hand outstretched. “Oh!”

Taking his hand, she stepped from the vehicle, careful not to get the hem of her skirt dirty. She would have to take care in choosing garments here. Between the heat and the dust, the city could certainly prove hazardous to her wardrobe. It wasn’t that she couldn’t replace the items, but she disliked being careless with her things. Violet always took great care not to ruin something if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.

“Shall we?”

Her father offered his arm and she took it, biting back excitement racing through her before she bolted in a wide-eyed spectacle to explore the hotel. He led her through the doors, and she turned to capture one last look of the outside gardens before disappearing into the hotel.

Her gaze caught a flash of black as it moved into the shaded bushes near the fountain across the street. The familiar caress in her mind drew her to the flickering image. She squinted against the light, but there was nothing there. Perhaps it had been the shadow of a passing car or a cloud overhead.

With a shrug, she followed her father into the lobby.

The flurry of activity stunned her. Guests crisscrossing ornate tile floors. Hotel employees bustling to and fro, carrying luggage and drink-laden trays. She blinked, and just like when they were surrounded by commotion in the busy streets, she found herself unable to focus on everything at once.

In the back of her mind, she felt a tug to return to the street outside, where the chaos felt more natural than the cacophony of the hotel lobby. The vaulted ceilings and arched doorways captured sound, amplifying it, much like a museum or a church. She shrugged off the urge and remained by her father’s side as he checked in at the front desk. At least for now. There would be plenty of time to explore once he was distracted by other things.

David and Isaac stood near the entrance, whispering to each other as guests passed them. Their gazes lingered on a small group of lovely women wearing gauzy dresses in light pastels. Violet shook her head. Her father was concerned abouthersafety? She scoffed as she watched the two scoundrels.

“Ibrahim should already be here with his daughter.”

Violet jumped at her father’s voice, then turned with a smile. “Oh, I wasn’t expecting to meet them today. How delightful.”

“I shall have them take our bags to our rooms.” He regarded her for a moment. “Would you like to freshen up?”

Running a hand over her rumpled dress, Violet frowned. It wouldn’t make for the best first meeting if she showed up like this, especially if she wished to gain the trust and confidence of a possible new ally.

“Perhaps that would be for the best. I want to make a good impression.”

“Come then.” He fell into step behind a bellhop who led them through a winding maze of hotel halls. Their rooms were on the main floor and overlooked a small, charming garden.

David and Issac shared a room and her father took another for himself. Violet occupied the room between.

She gasped at its size and the ostentatious furnishings. Vibrant colors and rich woods reminded her of her childhood home. The bed dominated the room, its four towering posts strewn with fine, white mesh that lay drawn back and secured with gold rope. Against the opposite wall stood a carved armoire. Near the window sat a desk and chair, and a cream-colored chaise longue was at the foot of the bed.

With a smile, the bellhop instructed servants to deposit her bags before leaving the room. Alone at last, Violet collapsed on the chaise and inhaled deeply. Travel was always exhausting, but anticipation of what lay beyond her room invigorated her.

Behind an ornate door, she found a washroom with a large clawfoot bathtub, a toilet, and a sink with a gilded mirror above it. With swift efficiency, Violet washed, dressed, and arranged her hair in some semblance of order.

A knock sounded at the door just as she finished fastening the buckle on her shoe. She opened it to reveal the smiling face of her brother.

“Father went down already. He asked that I escort you.” Isaac grinned.

Violet wrinkled her nose. “I don’t need an escort to thelobby.”

“I know this. You know this. It seems Father missed the fact entirely.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

“Fine.” She took it reluctantly. As they strode toward the lobby, she noted David’s absence. “Where’s your meddling friend?”

“Sleeping.” He chuckled. “It seems the flight affected him more than he let on.”

With a laugh, Violet softened. “Well, I can’t say the flights were easy.”

“No, it was not.” Isaac blinked, as if trying to shed a memory, his lips pressing in a thin line. “Do you think we can take a different route home?”

“I doubt it. Father will want to return to England quickly. He hates to dawdle.”

“Dawdlingis half the fun in any trip.” Isaac sighed as they rounded a corner and ventured into the ornate lobby.

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