Page 5 of The Master's Holiday

“We will be seated on the terrace, and the grounds are beautiful, so it very well could be inspiring," Nik responded with slight sarcasm.

“I’m loving this place Nik.” He commented thoughtfully and then grabbed his phone and wallet. “I know there’s some issues playing out in the background that are not particularly pleasant but over all this Lodge is charming and comfortable. I’d give it a four point five stars.”

“Not five?”

“My favorite place is the penthouse of the Hadden Center with you and nothing else can compare. This place is great, but home is always a five star.” Walker told him. Nik was again touched by Walker’s sweet, sincerity.

“I love you, baby." Nik bent and took Walker's lips in a loving embrace. The walk to the restaurant took them bothinside and outside the Lodge, and it was interesting. He noticed Walker taking in the surroundings and the people they passed.

"Dumas will be joining us for brunch." Nik stated as they approached the entrance to the Terrace Restaurant. “I wanted to discuss his theories and get a clearer picture of those he suspects are involved.”

“Aren’t you worried someone might overhear?” Walker whispered.

“I have my ways.” He smiled. “No one will hear.”

They were seated and had ordered coffee when Dumas arrived and took a seat at the round table. There were about ten tables total on the terrace and seven were occupied so they had some distance between themselves and the other tables.

“Good morning sir and sir.” Dumas addressed them both. They ordered a light brunch and discussion got under way immediately. When Dumas finished sharing his information, Nik was contemplating leaving the Lodge not wanting to get caught up in whatever may be going on. But he didn’t want to act too hasty considering this was the trip Walker had asked for specifically.

“The men you followed tell me more. I'm sure you did a background.” Nik asked.

“They both live in Harrisburg. The blond is a delivery driver, and the brunet works security at a nightclub. They both have records for assault and the blond for robbery. I think whatever this is may be a job beyond their usual skill level.” Dumas responded and took a drink of his coffee while looking around at the patrons on the terrace.

"Any idea as to who hired them or if they are working for themselves?"

“They don’t act like men who could plan something like this. The Glendale has adequate security and regular patrols on the grounds. They are well protected, so I’d guess they have someone on the inside helping them.” Nik noticed Walker listening closely but still enjoying his brunch.

“Do you know who?”

"Not certain, but the general manager has an aura that is clouded and deceitful. His first assistant reads the same. Also, the bartender at the Terrace bar across from here gives me pause. I had questions about the night doorman. His name is Albert, but his distraction is caused by pain and worry. His girlfriend is cheating on him, and he has evidence that it is true." Dumas clearly felt sorry for the poor man, as did Walker when he heard about it.

“That is so trashy I don’t understand how people can be so cruel. Why don’t they just leave if they’re unhappy.” Walker spoke up. Nik adored his beloved. “How did you find out about the girlfriend?” He asked.

"A lot of the staff are gossiping about him," Dumas responded with a look that said he agreed with Walker’s assessment of the situation.

Walker sighed sadly. “That makes it so much worse.”

“So, the prevailing theory is that it is an inside job?” Nik brought the discussion back to the issue at hand.

“Yes, sir.”

Walker then spoke up. “I don’t want to sound reactionary because I’m not, but this background shadow of intrigue and robbery is playing on my mind and making the weekend just a tad less enjoyable.” He suggested exactly what Nik had been considering, and his agreement was very welcome.

“You want to go back to Pittsburgh?” Nik asked and took his hand.

“Yes, if you don't mind. I know this was all my idea, and now I want to run away, but I just have a bad feeling about this place now. And I doubt I’d ever be able to look the doorman in the eye again. I just hate games and betrayal, the poor man.” Nik leaned over and kissed him softly.

“I love your heart Walker, and I will do whatever makes you happy. Leaving probably would be best in case the local authorities get involved.” Nik offered and Walker was nodding his head.

"I'll get you checked out and bring the car around," Dumas said as he stood up. He very much agreed with the decision to leave. Humans were so damned unpredictable, and with all the cameras and staff at the Lodge, it would be dangerous to let their supernatural powers show.

One wrong move on their part and the loose ends could go on forever. It’s one thing to mind sweep a few but this could turn into hundreds if word started to spread, or God forbid a video ended up online. It was time to go.

They left the terrace and walked back inside and out into the lobby area before Nik and Dumas suddenly came to an abrupt stop. They looked around and then looked at each other. "What's wrong?" Walker asked, and Nik squeezed his hand a little tighter.

"Blood, there's blood in the air," Nik said very softly.

“A lot of blood," Dumas interjected.

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