Page 260 of The Sinner: James

“Sure. Your name was flagged in our system, and it popped up on the VIP list.”

“Um… Meaning?”

“Your stay is complimentary, as is the car that comes with it. Unless you want to use the driver and the limo assigned to you.”

I look at her, confused.

I look at her desk, retrieve a business card from the stack on the silver platter and flip it between my fingers.

The name of the hotel says nothing to me.

And then, a thought bounces around in my head.

“Who owns this hotel?”

“Sexton Holdings,” the woman says hurriedly, her desk phone ringing. “Give me a second,” she says politely before answering the call.

She exchanges a few words with the person at the other end of the line and hangs up a moment later.

“Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No, thank you,” I say, collecting my key card.

“Good,” she says, relieved. “Oh, by the way. The car is a black Mercedes, and it’s parked in the private parking lot. Here is the key.”

She hands it to me, flashing a warm smile.

“Thank you.”

Minutes later, I exit the elevator, walk across a large hallway, and enter the top-floor suite.

A stunning view greets me right from the entrance.

Several ceiling-height windows stretch from side to side, overlooking the town square and letting in the magnificent view.

Slowly moving, I glance around.

The place is comprised of a large living room, an oversized bedroom furnished with a seashell-shaped bed, and a luxury bathroom with a gold-trimmed bathtub and a matching sink.

Red towels sit on the metallic shelves.

Scarlet roses are tucked in vases of all shapes and sizes, filling the air with a sweet, fresh scent.

A soft humming echoes in my pocket.

I fish out my phone.

“Mom??”

“Hi, sweetie. Thank you so much for the Christmas gift. You shouldn’t have sent so much.”

“It’s okay, Mom. Don’t worry about it.”

“It’s a lot of money...” she says and pauses for a moment. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

“Yes. I’m sure. I, um... I got a Christmas bonus.”

“This must be the entire bonus.”

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