rushed through Sandra’s mind, making her head hurt.
Andrew had a suggestion. “Why don’t I get out of your hair and take another look at the new protocols. Maybe there’s something I missed that will help us prevent this from happening again.”
Exhausted, Sandra gave him a hug. “Andy, I hope you know I appreciate all your hard work. Let me know if you come up with something.”
“Will do,” Andrew said as he exited her office. His mind was already going over the security protocols.
*****
Sandra watched Andrew leave her office and then let her head drop into her hands. The hotel was in serious trouble and making simple changes wasn’t going to cut it. The news media had taken up residence in the front lobby and while she wanted to throw them out, she knew that unless she worked with them, the hotel would suffer.
News of the most recent murder was the top story on the nightly news, and the headline on the front page of the paper. Keeping the hotel’s name out of the media had been impossible this time and she feared the repercussions were just beginning.
Something had to be done.
Chapter 14
A few days later, a full-page advertisement was taken out by the hotel.
“We at the Paradise Hotel understand your concerns about what has happened recently. We know that people are worried about the recent events and we are working diligently with law enforcement to resolve the situation.
“While the investigation continues, we can assure you that our hotel is open for business and that all activities normally appreciated by our clientele are still available. No events have been cancelled. We are also offering discounted rates on select rooms for a limited time.
“We have revamped our security measures, among other things, to ensure that our hotel will continue to be the premier place to host your event. Our first class staff is here and waiting to meet you.”
Sandra had gotten several of the hotel employees to read over the ad. While Andrew and Bruce had been against mentioning anything about the recent events, Tina and Sally had argued that the public would appreciate openness. Anything less would look like the hotel was trying to cover up what had taken place. Sandra agreed.
All agreed that increasing the number of rooms being rented and offering reduced rates for a limited time was a good move. Weekend specials, which included restaurant passes and welcome packages, were discussed and put into place.
Now it was just wait and see if anyone was willing to take a chance.
*****
Two days after the last death, the hotel seemed to be running at a normal pace. While the added security had given the appearance of making the hotel a safe place to stay, there was still doubt in several people’s minds about the hotel’s ability to stop any future murders.
Andrew walked through the foyer early in the afternoon, pleased to see that everything seemed to be working smoothly. Nodding at Sally as he walked past reception, he noticed her helping a guest check-in.
The man appeared to be of Chinese descent and only had a small overnight bag with him. Figuring he was a businessman who had come to Columbus for a short meeting, Andrew continued through the foyer and onto his next project.
After arriving at the hotel and getting settled in his room, the Chinese man removed the business card from his wallet and called the hotline number for the ‘“girls on delivery’” service. As he waited for her arrival, he enjoyed the idea of spending the evening with a white woman.
The woman was dressed in highly scandalous clothes. The boy shorts she wore rode up the curve of her buttocks, and the front came only a few centimeters above her pubic bone. The demi bra barely covered her breasts and the sheer shirt she wore over everything left little to the imagination. Her makeup was heavily applied and showed signs that it had been applied many hours before.
He and the woman were seen attending Bruce’s
Andrew had a suggestion. “Why don’t I get out of your hair and take another look at the new protocols. Maybe there’s something I missed that will help us prevent this from happening again.”
Exhausted, Sandra gave him a hug. “Andy, I hope you know I appreciate all your hard work. Let me know if you come up with something.”
“Will do,” Andrew said as he exited her office. His mind was already going over the security protocols.
*****
Sandra watched Andrew leave her office and then let her head drop into her hands. The hotel was in serious trouble and making simple changes wasn’t going to cut it. The news media had taken up residence in the front lobby and while she wanted to throw them out, she knew that unless she worked with them, the hotel would suffer.
News of the most recent murder was the top story on the nightly news, and the headline on the front page of the paper. Keeping the hotel’s name out of the media had been impossible this time and she feared the repercussions were just beginning.
Something had to be done.
Chapter 14
A few days later, a full-page advertisement was taken out by the hotel.
“We at the Paradise Hotel understand your concerns about what has happened recently. We know that people are worried about the recent events and we are working diligently with law enforcement to resolve the situation.
“While the investigation continues, we can assure you that our hotel is open for business and that all activities normally appreciated by our clientele are still available. No events have been cancelled. We are also offering discounted rates on select rooms for a limited time.
“We have revamped our security measures, among other things, to ensure that our hotel will continue to be the premier place to host your event. Our first class staff is here and waiting to meet you.”
Sandra had gotten several of the hotel employees to read over the ad. While Andrew and Bruce had been against mentioning anything about the recent events, Tina and Sally had argued that the public would appreciate openness. Anything less would look like the hotel was trying to cover up what had taken place. Sandra agreed.
All agreed that increasing the number of rooms being rented and offering reduced rates for a limited time was a good move. Weekend specials, which included restaurant passes and welcome packages, were discussed and put into place.
Now it was just wait and see if anyone was willing to take a chance.
*****
Two days after the last death, the hotel seemed to be running at a normal pace. While the added security had given the appearance of making the hotel a safe place to stay, there was still doubt in several people’s minds about the hotel’s ability to stop any future murders.
Andrew walked through the foyer early in the afternoon, pleased to see that everything seemed to be working smoothly. Nodding at Sally as he walked past reception, he noticed her helping a guest check-in.
The man appeared to be of Chinese descent and only had a small overnight bag with him. Figuring he was a businessman who had come to Columbus for a short meeting, Andrew continued through the foyer and onto his next project.
After arriving at the hotel and getting settled in his room, the Chinese man removed the business card from his wallet and called the hotline number for the ‘“girls on delivery’” service. As he waited for her arrival, he enjoyed the idea of spending the evening with a white woman.
The woman was dressed in highly scandalous clothes. The boy shorts she wore rode up the curve of her buttocks, and the front came only a few centimeters above her pubic bone. The demi bra barely covered her breasts and the sheer shirt she wore over everything left little to the imagination. Her makeup was heavily applied and showed signs that it had been applied many hours before.
He and the woman were seen attending Bruce’s
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