The Guest Who Disappeared Into The Night
The hotel
Hotel reception, 15 July, 8:10 a.m.
Gregory Harris
What does it look like today, love?
Shannon Harris
Well, dear husband.
Shannon Harris
We're going to receive many guests today.
Shannon Harris
Nine guests, to be exact.
Gregory Harris
Nine guests!
Gregory Harris
Not bad at all!
Mr. and Mrs. Harris owns the small hotel in the countryside, with five hours of travel time to the nearest city.
It's the start of the summer season, and it's very important that the hotel gets many guests already from the beginning.
Since the business is very small, it has only two employees.
Shannon Harris
Mrs. Morris is preparing the cookies and tea.
Shannon Harris
In the meantime, Mr. Kenley is working in the garden.
Gregory Harris
Good, good...
Shannon Harris
Are you nervous, dear?
Gregory Harris
I'm not going to lie.
Gregory Harris
Ever since we bought this house in the beginning of the summer and decided to start a hotel business, we haven't received any guests at all.
Gregory Harris
I'm afraid that...
Shannon Harris
*Gives her husband a kiss on the cheek*
Shannon Harris
Don't worry Gregory.
Shannon Harris
We're going to have nine guests, aren't we?
Gregory Harris
And that's why it needs to be perfect!
Gregory Harris
I really hope that nothing bad happens...
Shannon Harris
I think I see our first guest coming to the hotel.
Shannon Harris
Let's give him a good impression, shall we?
A tall and pale man enters the hotel through the main doors, looks anxiously around and walks slowly towards the reception desk.
Gregory Harris
Good morning, sir!
Hunter Atkinson
I have a reservation.
Hunter Atkinson
My name is Hunter Atkinson.
Shannon Harris
Atkinson...
Shannon Harris
Welcome to Repose Hotel, where everyone can get a deserved rest from the stressful city life!
Hunter Atkinson
Yeah, yeah, whatever.
Hunter Atkinson
Am I the first guest so far?
Gregory Harris
Oh yes, you are!
Both Mr. and Mrs. Harris try their best to maintain their smiles.
But it isn't easy when they have to deal with an unfriendly guest.
Hunter Atkinson
Can I select a room of my own choice?
Gregory Harris
No problems at all, sir.
Hunter Atkinson
I want a room with the best view over the road.
Hunter Atkinson
But it has to be close to an emergency exit.
Gregory Harris
Then it that case you can get room 104.
Gregory Harris
It's just above the hotel reception.
Gregory Harris
*Gives Hunter Atkinson the room key*
Gregory Harris
Walk down the hall and then go up the stairs to your right.
Gregory Harris
It has the perfect view over the passing road.
Gregory Harris
We don't have an emergency exit in "that" sense, though.
Shannon Harris
But we have a fire escape ladder in each room.
Shannon Harris
You can quickly install it yourself during emergencies.
Hunter Atkinson
Better than nothing, I suppose.
Hunter Atkinson
*Begins to walk away from the reception*
Hunter Atkinson
By the way.
Hunter Atkinson
If someone asks for me, just tell them that you don't know anything.
Gregory Harris
No worries, sir!
Gregory Harris
We totally respect your integrity...
Hunter Atkinson doesn't care to let Mr. Harris finish his sentence, but walks down the hall before turning right to go up the stairs.
Shannon Harris
What an awful person!
Gregory Harris
I hope the other guests are friendlier...
A group of people have arrived at the reception desk.
Luca Costa
My name is Luca Costa and I've booked a room between 15-18 July.
Shannon Harris
You can get room number 101...
Ronni Mogensen
My name is Ronni Mogensen.
Ronni Mogensen
I'm staying here for four nights.
Shannon Harris
Room 102...
Hiromi Arakawa
Arakawa Hitomi.
Hiromi Arakawa
15-17 July.
Shannon Harris
Room 103...
Gregory Harris
*Quickly helps his wife by handing over the room keys to the three guests*
Gregory Harris
Everyone, all of your rooms are on the first floor.
Gregory Harris
Just walk down the hall until you find the stairs to your right!
Hiromi Arakawa
Arigato gozaimasu (= Thank you).
Hiromi Arakawa
*Bows and walks away*
Shannon Harris
Thank you, dear.
Shannon Harris
I'd never have made it without you.
Gregory Harris
But of course!
Gregory Harris
So that was four of the guests.
Shannon Harris
We only have five more.
================================
Inside a bus, 15 July, 9:20 a.m.
Bryan Dawson
I'm so looking forward to this vacation!
Bryan Dawson
*Turns to the left and looks at a young woman of Chinese ancestry*
Bryan Dawson
What about you, Mei-Hua?
Pan Mei-Hua
You and I have done lots of work in the city in the past month.
Pan Mei-Hua
We all deserve a good rest!
Stanley Daniels
Excuse me, are you also on your way to Repose Hotel?
Stanley Daniels
The name is Daniels, Stanley Daniels.
Pan Mei-Hua
I'm Mei-Hua Pan, and this is Bryan Dawson.
Stanley Daniels
You're good friends?
Bryan Dawson
We've known each other for a couple of years.
Bryan Dawson
My parents knew her parents, so naturally, we're friends with each other.
An older man who is sitting at the row ahead of Bryan and Mei-Hua turns around.
Antoine Roux
That is not always the case, mon ami.
Antoine Roux
I'm Antoine Roux, from Bordeaux in France.
Stanley Daniels
You're going to Repose Hotel too, mister?
A blonde woman walks towards the small group of passengers.
Susanna Mårtensson
I think we all are.
Susanna Mårtensson
Hi, I'm Susanna Mårtensson.
Susanna Mårtensson
From Malmö, Sweden.
Stanley Daniels
*Looks at everyone*
Stanley Daniels
So, what brings you all to that hotel in the middle of nowhere?
Pan Mei-Hua
Both Bryan and I are going to have one week's rest before we both return to work.
Susanna Mårtensson
I'm a painter.
Susanna Mårtensson
So I want to paint the nature in the countryside.
Antoine Roux
I love the nature too!
Susanna Mårtensson
I'm here for the nature.
Antoine Roux
So I guess we will be seeing each other quite often then, Ms. Mårtensson.
Susanna Mårtensson
*Gives a small laugh*
Susanna Mårtensson
What about you, Mr. Daniels?
Stanley Daniels
I just want to escape from the bustling city life and take it easy.
Stanley Daniels
What do you work with, Ms. Pan?
Pan Mei-Hua
I'm a private investigator.
Everyone looks at her in awe.
Antoine Roux
You, mademoiselle?
Antoine Roux
A private investigator?
Antoine Roux
You look so young!
Bryan Dawson
Don't judge a book by its cover, Monsieur Roux.
Bryan Dawson
Mei-Hua is one of the most skilled people I've ever worked with.
Bryan Dawson
She has been doing this for three years.
Stanley Daniels
Three years?
Stanley Daniels
That's something.
Stanley Daniels
So you're a private investigator as well, Mr. Dawson?
Bryan Dawson
I'm more like an assistant.
Stanley Daniels
It's good to know who to ask at the hotel in case something happens.
Pan Mei-Hua
I sure hope not.
Pan Mei-Hua
Bryan and I are going to have a well-earned vacation!
Susanna Mårtensson
Guys, I think we've arrived.
A large building, built sometime during the early 1900s, greets the bus and its travelers from the horizon.
Gregory Harris
At last, the final guests are here!
Bad planning
Outside the main double doors of Repose Hotel, 15 July, 9:50 a.m.
Gregory Harris
Honey, the guests are here soon!
Gregory Harris
I can see the bus coming!
Shannon Harris
*Runs towards Mr. Harris behind his back*
Shannon Harris
I'm coming, I'm coming!
A middle-aged lady is approaching the nervous owners of Repose Hotel from their left.
Thelma Morris
Mr. and Mrs. Harris.
Thelma Morris
The cookies, tea and coffee are ready for the guests in the canteen.
Thelma Morris
I'll soon start preparing the lunch for them.
Thelma Morris
Mr. Kenley is currently doing a final check-up on the toilets.
Gregory Harris
So, what will it be for lunch?
Thelma Morris
Meatballs with cream sauce, lingonberry jam, green peas and boiled potatoes.
Thelma Morris
Of course, there will also be a vegetarian alternative.
Gregory Harris
*Hesitates*
Shannon Harris
What's wrong, dear?
Gregory Harris
The lunch...
Gregory Harris
Isn't it a little bit too basic for our guests?
Thelma Morris
Well, sir...
Shannon Harris
Don't blame Mrs. Morris, Gregory.
Shannon Harris
It was my idea.
Shannon Harris
After all, we can't afford offering expensive food for our first guests yet.
Shannon Harris
They did pick our hotel not only because of the location, but also because of the low price.
Gregory Harris
I guess you're right.
Shannon Harris
So, Mrs. Morris.
Shannon Harris
Are the guests who have already arrived satisfied with their accommodation so far?
Thelma Morris
Well... I haven't had the opportunity to ask everyone while I was busy in the canteen.
Thelma Morris
I did hear something else.
Thelma Morris
I heard a quarrel between two people.
Thelma Morris
It was between... Ergh... The Italian and that unfriendly guest in room 104.
Shannon Harris
That's Mr. Costa and Mr. Atkinson!
Gregory Harris
What did they quarrel about?
Thelma Morris
It wasn't really my business to listen to other people's private conversations.
Thelma Morris
But it was something about Mr. Atkinson owing something to Mr. Costa.
Thelma Morris
Mr. Costa also accused Mr. Atkinson of being a traitor.
Thelma Morris
But I know nothing more of the details since I was in a hurry...
Gregory Harris
It's alright, Mrs. Morris.
Gregory Harris
As long as they weren't talking about the hotel, then I'm glad.
Gregory Harris
We have more important things to be worried about.
The bus with the next group of guests stops a few metres from the hotel.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris begin walking towards the bus.
Susanna Mårtensson
*Struggles with her painting equipment while exiting the bus*
Gregory Harris
No, no, no!
Gregory Harris
Allow me to help you with it, miss.
Susanna Mårtensson
Thanks!
Susanna Mårtensson
That's very kind of you!
Shannon Harris
Hi and welcome to Repose Hotel!
Mrs. Harris greets Antoine Roux and Stanley Daniels coming after Susanna Mårtensson.
Stanley Daniels
Man! What a nice view!
Antoine Roux
Oui, n'est-ce pas? (= Yeah, right?)
Stanley Daniels
I'm really going to enjoy this place!
Mr. Harris looks at the final passengers leaving the bus.
Gregory Harris
Welcome to Repose Hotel!
Pan Mei-Hua
Thank you, sir.
Bryan Dawson
Yeah, thanks!
Gregory Harris
My name is George Harris and this is my wife Shannon.
Gregory Harris
We both hope that you'll enjoy your stay in our hotel.
Gregory Harris
Please follow us to the reception and you'll all receive your keys to the rooms.
While talking towards the hotel, Mei-Hua notices that Stanley suddenly stops.
He looks up at the first-floor windows above the hotel's main double doors.
Mei-Hua also looks up and sees a tall, pale man staring back at them.
Stanley Daniels
*Doesn't reply*
Pan Mei-Hua
Mr. Daniels, are you alright?
Stanley Daniels
Oh, sorry Miss Pan.
Stanley Daniels
I must have spaced out a bit.
Stanley Daniels
You know...
Stanley Daniels
The view is breathtaking!
Pan Mei-Hua
Yes, you're right.
Mei-Hua doesn't directly follow Stanley to the hotel, but remains where she is.
Bryan notices this and leaves the group of guests to join her.
Bryan Dawson
What's wrong, Mei-Hua?
Pan Mei-Hua
I have a feeling that we probably won't be having a vacation, after all.
Bryan Dawson
Are you really sure about that?
Pan Mei-Hua
Call it a PI's intuition.
Bryan Dawson
The problem with you, Mei-Hua, is that you capture too many details and think too much about them!
Pan Mei-Hua
But that helped us with all of our previous cases, didn't it?
Bryan Dawson
I guess you're right.
By the time Bryan and Mei-Hua reach the reception, most of the guests have already received their keys and left for their rooms.
Only Susanna Mårtensson is still at the reception.
Susanna Mårtensson
You said that we would be getting lunch.
Susanna Mårtensson
Breakfast and dinner are also included in the price, I hope?
Shannon Harris
Yes, Miss Mårtensson.
Shannon Harris
That's correct.
Susanna Mårtensson
But what if we want some snacks?
Susanna Mårtensson
Can we buy them here?
Shannon Harris
*Looks at her husband*
Susanna Mårtensson
It's okay. I can always go and buy them elsewhere.
Gregory Harris
It's not that easy, Miss Mårtensson.
Gregory Harris
There aren't many businesses or meeting places around here since we are in the middle of nowhere.
Gregory Harris
You can go back to the city with the bus, but that's five hours of travel time.
Gregory Harris
So a round trip takes a total of ten hours - without traffic jams - if you're lucky.
Susanna Mårtensson
Ten hours?!
Shannon Harris
But there's a small community about 4 kilometres from here.
Shannon Harris
It takes approximately 45 minutes to walk there.
Shannon Harris
From what I've heard, this village has a small shop for the locals.
Shannon Harris
While the shop mostly sells homemade products, I'm quite sure you'll find something to your liking, Miss Mårtensson.
Susanna Mårtensson
Well, I guess I don't have any choices then.
Gregory Harris
You must understand, Miss Mårtensson. Our hotel is quite new.
Gregory Harris
So there are still many things that can be improved.
Gregory Harris
Like selling snacks outside of the offered main meals, for example.
Gregory Harris
*Does his best at defusing the tense situation by giving a smile*
Susanna Mårtensson
*Looks disappointed*
Susanna Mårtensson
Well, thank you then.
Susanna Mårtensson
*Walks down the hall towards the stairs*
Shannon Harris
I really hope she won't give us a bad review because of this...
Gregory Harris
We haven't done any bad planning, love.
Gregory Harris
We did what we could.
Gregory Harris
But I'll take a look at the catalogue later if we can buy some snacks for a reasonable price, and re-sell them at the hotel.
Shannon Harris
Based on Miss Mårtensson's reply, I think she wants more than Mrs. Morris's cookies!
Shannon Harris
*Looks at Bryan and Mei-Hua*
Shannon Harris
Oh my goodness...
Shannon Harris
Please forgive us!
Pan Mei-Hua
No, no, it's alright.
Shannon Harris
Are you a couple?
Bryan Dawson
No, we're just colleagues.
Gregory Harris
*Hands over the room key to Mei-Hua*
Gregory Harris
Your keys go to room 109.
Gregory Harris
But I must apologise in advance.
Gregory Harris
When you booked the room, I assumed that you were a couple.
Bryan looks at Mr. Harris embarrassedly.
Gregory Harris
Because of that, I've asked Mr. Kenley to move the beds together.
Gregory Harris
If you want, I can ask him to move the beds away from each other and give them separate bedsheets.
Shannon Harris
It will be done quickly, dear.
Shannon Harris
*Takes up her smartphone and dials a number*
Shannon Harris
Mr. Kenley?
Shannon Harris
Can you please help our guests in room 109 by moving the beds away from each other and give them separate bedsheets?
Shannon Harris
And can you fetch them when you've finished?
Shannon Harris
I'll send the guests to the canteen in the meantime.
Shannon Harris
Excellent. Great. Bye.
Shannon Harris
*Looks at Bryan and Mei-Hua*
Shannon Harris
It will only take a couple of minutes.
Shannon Harris
In the meantime, can we offer you some cookies and coffee?
Bryan Dawson
*Has difficulties containing his excitement*
Pan Mei-Hua
That would be great, Mrs. Harris.
Mrs. Harris leads the pair towards the canteen.
Pan Mei-Hua
I think you both have done a great work so far.
Pan Mei-Hua
I don't think you've done any bad planning.
Shannon Harris
Thank you, dear.
Shannon Harris
*Gives a big smile*
A quarrel
Hotel canteen, 15 July, 10:35 a.m.
Bryan and Mei-Hua are sitting in the hotel canteen, enjoying their coffee and cookies, while waiting for Isaac Kenley to come and fetch them to their room.
Bryan Dawson
So, what do you think, Mei-Hua?
Pan Mei-Hua
Think about what?
Bryan Dawson
About this place, of course!
Pan Mei-Hua
What can I say?
Pan Mei-Hua
It's clearly obvious that Mr. and Mrs. Harris aren't used to run a hotel business.
Pan Mei-Hua
I can see they're very nervous, yet try to maintain calm.
Pan Mei-Hua
I can really understand that their first guests of the season - including us - are of their utmost importance if they want to secure their business.
Bryan Dawson
Hey, come on.
Bryan Dawson
Don't all businesses want to have a secure flow of customers?
Pan Mei-Hua
But in this digital age, a simple "word of mouth" isn't enough.
Pan Mei-Hua
You know how people like to give businesses reviews on the Internet.
Pan Mei-Hua
Even if many of the reviews are utterly garbage, new businesses wouldn't want to get a bad reputation from the start, would they?
Bryan Dawson
I really can't argue with that.
Pan Mei-Hua
I think it's very smart of Mr. and Mrs. Harris to make use of a bus service, connecting the hotel to the nearest city.
Pan Mei-Hua
But I'd say this hotel is more like an "improved roadhouse" than a resort.
Pan Mei-Hua
Haven't you noticed?
Pan Mei-Hua
The hotel is located close to the only main road of this area.
Pan Mei-Hua
We're basically in the middle of nowhere, with the nearest human settlement 4 kilometres away, besides the city from which we came with the bus.
Pan Mei-Hua
The business is run by a middle-aged married couple that has only two employees.
Pan Mei-Hua
What more can we expect from the hotel?
Bryan Dawson
Come to think of it...
Bryan Dawson
Wasn't there an older lady at the main doors?
Pan Mei-Hua
She must be the housemaid.
Pan Mei-Hua
She went directly in while the Harrises greeted us at the bus.
Pan Mei-Hua
Add Mr. Kenley, and we have two employees.
Pan Mei-Hua
Considering the expense running a small hotel like this, and the fact that this is the Harrises's first time to run it...
Pan Mei-Hua
I doubt they can afford more employees than that.
Bryan Dawson
I'm so sorry, Mei-Hua.
Bryan Dawson
Had I known that the low cost to rent the room was only a cover price to get many guests, I wouldn't have chosen this place for your vacation!
Pan Mei-Hua
It's alright, Bryan.
Pan Mei-Hua
What has happened, has happened.
Pan Mei-Hua
We do need to relax from the busy city life, after all.
Suddenly, someone gives the pair an applause from behind.
Mei-Hua turns around to see the tall and pale man from before - the man who Stanley Daniels was looking at earlier.
Hunter Atkinson
I couldn't help but listen to your reasoning.
Hunter Atkinson
While you were spot on about this place, you've been neutral so far.
Hunter Atkinson
I think your friend really wanted to know what you personally think of this... Roadhouse.
Pan Mei-Hua
And you seem to also wish to know my opinion?
Hunter Atkinson
It's not everyday I meet... Let's say a "refined" person such as you.
Bryan Dawson
Hey, are you trying to flirt with Mei-Hua or something?!
Hunter Atkinson
*Ignores Bryan and continues to look at Mei-Hua*
Pan Mei-Hua
I'm sorry, mister...?
Hunter Atkinson
Hunter Atkinson.
Pan Mei-Hua
Well, Mr. Atkinson.
Pan Mei-Hua
You seem not to like this hotel at all, do you?
Hunter Atkinson
You've noticed that already?
Pan Mei-Hua
Your way of speaking gave you away.
Hunter Atkinson
I don't like this so called "hotel".
Hunter Atkinson
I think it's a fraud.
Hunter Atkinson
The owners are amateurs and don't know the importance of having emergency exits.
Hunter Atkinson
Escape ladders in each room which we must install ourselves?
Hunter Atkinson
That's the only security we have in case of a fire!
Hunter Atkinson
Only three meals a day?
Hunter Atkinson
No opportunity to buy snacks?
Hunter Atkinson
Yes, I heard the conversation between Miss Mårtensson and Mrs. Harris regarding snacks.
Hunter Atkinson
I'm not impressed so far!
Luca Costa
Says the traitor who is used to live a rich life and orders everyone around!
Luca Costa has entered the canteen, and looks menacingly at Hunter Atkinson.
Hunter Atkinson
Leave me be, mister.
Hunter Atkinson
Like I said before: You've mistaken me for someone else.
Luca Costa
Nice try, Atkinson.
Luca Costa
You don't think that I, your former manager, know you?!
Luca Costa
If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be this famous star today!
Luca Costa
You owe me, Atkinson.
Luca Costa
You owe me plenty!
Mr. Harris has entered the canteen and looks furious.
Gregory Harris
One of my employees told me that you've had a quarrel with one of our guests earlier today.
Gregory Harris
I'd never have thought that you would like to quarrel with the same person again!
Gregory Harris
Normally I'd let it be since it's not my business.
Gregory Harris
But I think you've crossed the line here, Mr. Costa.
Gregory Harris
If this grudge of yours endangers one of my guests, then I'll have to ask you leave the hotel.
Luca Costa
*Looks furiously at Mr. Harris, but calms down quickly*
Luca Costa
I'll calm down now.
Luca Costa
But don't think you're getting away from this, "Mister" Atkinson!
Luca Costa walks quickly out of the canteen, and hits Ronni Mogensen who is on his way in.
Luca Costa
Watch where you're going, kiddo!
Hunter Atkinson begins to leave the canteen as well.
Hunter stops, but doesn't turn around.
Pan Mei-Hua
You asked me for my personal opinion of this hotel.
Pan Mei-Hua
I understand if you think that you're only offered basic services, and you expected more.
Pan Mei-Hua
But the fact that every room has an escape ladder, and that Mr. Harris defended you against the other gentleman...
Pan Mei-Hua
I think that's more than enough for me.
Hunter doesn't reply and begins walking away.
Mr. Harris looks at Mei-Hua with bright eyes.
Mei-Hua can see that Mr. Harris is holding back his tears.
Gregory Harris
Young miss.
Gregory Harris
Thank you for your kind words.
Gregory Harris
I know that Repose Hotel...
Pan Mei-Hua
..."Is quite new".
Pan Mei-Hua
You've said that to Miss Mårtensson.
Pan Mei-Hua
We understand.
Pan Mei-Hua
I know that you and Mrs. Harris are doing your best.
Pan Mei-Hua
I look forward to see what this place has to offer.
Gregory Harris
Miss Pan, if you wish for anything, I'm sure we can help you somehow.
A man, somewhere in his early forties, enters the canteen.
Gregory Harris
Ah! Good timing!
Gregory Harris
Miss Pan, Mr. Kenley has come to lead you to your room.
Isaac Kenley
Allow me to help you with your luggage, miss.
Pan Mei-Hua
Thank you, Mr. Kenley.
Bryan Dawson
What about mine?!
Pan Mei-Hua
Oh come on, Bryan.
Pan Mei-Hua
I'm sure you're strong enough to carry your luggage up the stairs by yourself?
Mr. Harris and Ronni Mogensen are the only ones left in the canteen.
Ronni Mogensen
I don't know what happened just now, but that lady seems nice.
Gregory Harris
I couldn't have put it better myself.
Gregory Harris
So, Mr. Mogensen.
Gregory Harris
You wanted to speak with me?
Ronni Mogensen
What are we going to have for lunch?
Gregory Harris
Meatballs with cream sauce, lingonberry jam, green peas and boiled potatoes...
Ronni Mogensen
Svenske kødboller! Hvad lækkert! (= Swedish meatballs! How delicious!)
Mr. Harris couldn't understand what Ronni said in Danish, but can guess based on his expression that he's looking forward to the meal.
Gregory Harris
Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Gregory Harris
See you then!
Mr. Harris gives Ronni a smile and leaves the canteen.
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