What Happened In Paradise?

First Visit: The Inn

Adam had the idea of making a sign before they left the Villa. This time they managed to find a car going in their direction. They weren’t expecting to find a beautiful plantation house at the end of the road when the car turned into the canefield. A staircase is straight ahead when they enter. To the left, against the far wall, is a mahogany desk. Behind it, the soldier who’d recommended The Inn.

“Welcome to The Inn,” she says.

“What are you doing here?” Adam asks, sounding more frightened than rude. If Maxwell had to guess, Adam is still on edge because of the incident with the caretaker.

“We are responsible for Water Island's affairs,” she responds.

“The hotels too?” Adam asks.

“All. Of. Water. Island’s. Affairs.”

“This seems a little below your skillset.” Maxwell had set out to diffuse the building tension. He fears he has merely shifted the focus of that tension from Adam to himself. That will suffice as the next best option.

“How long will you be staying with us here at The Inn?” she asks.

“Are there more soldiers here?” Adam asks.

The soldier turns to Adam; her brow tight, Adam is unraveling Maxwell’s efforts.

“Is that a problem for you?” the soldier asks.

Adam freezes.

“It’s not a problem,” Maxwell interjects. “Unusual, but not a problem.”

“We come and go. You will be well taken care of here.”

The soldier is trying to be assuring, Maxwell knows, but something about her tone makes the words ring like a threat. “Isn’t The Villa a part of Water Island’s affairs,” Maxwell asks.

The soldier’s jaw tightens; she speaks through gritted teeth. “How. Long. Will. You. Be. Staying. With. US?”

“Until you find our friends,” Maxwell says.

“Very well. I’ll show you to your rooms.”