Patricia checked again.

Her face went pale.

“Suite 904,” she whispered. “Corporate reservation. Confirmed two weeks ago.”

Lupita looked at the roses. “They’re beautiful, sir. Are they for someone special?”

Ethan lowered his eyes. “My wife. Tomorrow marks three years since she passed.”

Lupita’s face softened. “I’m so sorry. Let me get a vase. Flowers like that shouldn’t be left to wilt.”

As she walked away, Karla muttered, “This is why you don’t give cleaning staff too much freedom. They start thinking they own the place.”

Ethan looked up.

“Repeat what you just said.”

PART 2

Karla’s smile disappeared.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Yes, you did,” Lupita said quietly. “And it’s not the first time.”

Ethan turned to Patricia. “Get the general manager.”

“He’s busy,” she said.

“Then tell him Ethan Vance is waiting at the front desk.”

The name hit them like ice water.