"Mr. Cole?" The clerk asked, a little brighter now. "So you are here to meet Mr. Cole."
Alex looked at her, mildly surprised. He had not expected a woman at the front desk to know the name so quickly.
"You know him?"
"Yes, sir," she said at once. "He is one of our regulars. In fact, he arrived half an hour ago. He should be in the bar right now."
Alex smiled. The picture fit the file too well for a man with Cole's temperament. He was still living as if the world outside the hotel had no claim on him.
He turned back to her.
"Then it looks like I am the one who is late, even though I came early. Thank you for the tour. I will find him from here."
Clear disappointment crossed her face when she heard him. She had wanted a little more of his attention, another corridor, another reason to stay beside him. She knew her place, though. Her junior was still alone at the desk, and the early evening rush would start soon. She could not remain away much longer.
