Chapter 23. (Nov 2003)
Part A. Alan, Hotel Manager.
For my second visit to the firm in W, the Chairman, in anticipation of another late finish, had already booked me into the same hotel as two months earlier so naturally I was looking forward to renewing my acquaintance with Simon, the night porter.
The negotiations again proved to be long and drawn out but at least this time I arrived at the hotel early enough for the evening meal.
While checking in at reception I complimented the hotel on having an highly efficient and helpful night porter, explaining my late arrival of two months ago. The receptionist replied that Simon had proved his worth time and time again during the three years or so that he'd been with the hotel but was currently away on holiday. I tried to hide the disappointment I felt at the news.
The hotel manager was in reception at the time and said that the day porter was currently occupied preparing a function room so he'd escort me to my room personally.
"We like to look after our returning guests Mrs. P****," he smiled, picking my case up from the floor.
Unlocking the door he ushered me inside with a flourish, commenting that he hoped I'd find the room more amenable than the one I'd been given previously at short notice. It certainly was a well appointed room, one of the best he told me.
"Perhaps I could offer you a guided tour of our historic hotel, show you the Priest's hole for instance, once you've had a chance to settle in."
Telling Alan I hadn't known there was a Priest's hole I expressed an interest in seeing it once I'd showered and changed. There should be ample time before the restaurant closed.
Well he took me on a tour of the hotel and as promised pointed out a number of interesting features I wouldn't otherwise have noticed. It was inside one of the function rooms that he brought me to a halt and asked if I could tell where the Priest's hole was located. After a careful study of the walls I said that an area beside the large old fireplace seemed the most likely but couldn't see any indications to suggest it was there.
"Clever girl." Alan said and pressed what to all intent and purpose seemed just a normal knot in the woodwork.
"There, take a look," he said when a panel swung open.
Alan followed me inside the cramped Priest's hole and the panel closed again making it practically impossible to see anything in the musty and gloomy space.
"Don't think I'd much fancy hiding in here." I told him.