The Maya 1.16
Previously On The Maya...
The Maya—a living legend covert operative-for-hire that no one she encounters can remember.
George Kirkegaard—a former newspaper owner forced out of business by state government.
Eugenio Stavros—a shipping magnate on a trip to the mysterious Isle of Use to renegotiate a steel contract.
Amara Barclay—a savvy, independent multi-millionaire entrepreneur and socialite with unparalleled beauty.
Mr. Tic and Mr. Snake—two U.S. government officials running off-the-books dark ops involving The Maya.
Lander Smith, an official with the Island Protection Bureau, questions George Kirkegaard about the conversation he had with Amara Barclay. Smith indicates Amara is not wanted for anything, but warns Kirkegaard not to do anything for her if he sees her again. Kirkegaard tries asking questions of his own but Smith is not as forthcoming. Finally, Jim Layton arrives and the two leave the main terminal building.
And now...the next installment of The Maya.
"Right this way."
The limousine driver stacked the couple's two bags on a roller cart and then led Amara and Stavros through thick glass doors to the hotel lobby. Plush burgundy carpeting, a giant chandelier from a vaulted ceiling, mahogany furniture and various tropical plants awaited them inside.
The driver rolled the luggage up to where a desk clerk stood with a smile, and then began to walk away. Stavros stopped him, and went for some money in his wallet to tip him, but the man refused. "It's all part of the service, and I am well compensated. Thank you, though," he said. "Enjoy your stay." He then waved goodbye to Amara and jogged back out to his vehicle.
Amara watched him go, and then glanced at Stavros, who had a rather sheepish look on his face. "I'd forgotten about that," he said in a low voice.
"I don't think he was offended at all."
"Welcome to The Island Waves," said the desk clerk. "If you hand me your ident-keys, I can get you started."
Stavros went back to his wallet and removed two black plastic squares. The desk clerk, a man who looked to be in his late twenties, ran the copper side through a sliding device. There was a beep after each passed through, and then the clerk placed the plastic pieces on the counter.
As the clerk continued to work on the room information, Amara's attention turned to a group of people beginning to collect directly behind them in the chairs and sofas against the far wall. They all seemed to be carrying some kind of beverage in their hands and while it was hard to tell exactly, they appeared to be European.
She also noticed a few men, not part of the other group, near the elevators, all of whom seemed very interested in her. Even though they glanced away, she could tell they were taking her all in by the wolfish grins on their faces. They were not discreet in the least.
"Ah, I see you stayed here last time, Mr. Stavros," the desk clerk said. "Welcome back."
"Thank you."
"It's been a while, so let me run down a few things you should know about the hotel and the suite."
Stavros nodded, and the desk clerk went through a laundry list of amenities and special items that were included in their suite package. Meals and drinks from any of the hotel's four restaurants or via room service were free. Other items without charge included time in the spa for massages, manicures, pedicures and heat wraps.
As the clerk went on, Amara continued to eye the people on and around the furniture. There were now seven males and ten females and aside from yelling and whooping, they engaged in all kinds of behavior, some of which, she found, ill-suited for public.
No doubt, the liquor they were consuming had something to do with it. Someone shouted, which led to a fight that nearly involved everyone, and then they calmed down and started a make out session. Someone belched, another nearly vomited on the carpet but managed to make it over to a trash can, while still another looked around for somewhere to relieve himself.
"Eugenio," Amara said, tugging on Stavros' sleeve.
"Just a second," Stavros said to the clerk. He followed Amara's gaze to the group. He watched as they went through the punching, kissing, vomiting, etc. again.
"I apologize ma'am," the clerk said. He was already on the phone, calling for security. Disappointment crossed his face. Then, he hung up. "We have ten security guards on duty right now, and all of them are taking care of various issues throughout the hotel grounds."
"Really?" Amara glanced at him, saw him nod his head with genuine dismay and disgust, then she turned back to the group. Outer garments were now coming off, with some already down to their underwear.
"I'm afraid so. Someone will be here as quickly as they can."
"What about the hotel manager?" Stavros asked
"She and her two assistants are handling additional complaints."
Amara shook her head. Over her shoulder she asked, "Is it always like this?"
"Not always," the clerk replied. "But it happens too frequently for my taste."
"Who are they?"
"Businessmen and their companions mostly. I can't speak for all the groups, but we don't get much visitors outside of people on some kind of company business."
"I've had enough," Amara said. She took three steps towards the group before Stavros could put a hand on her arm.
"I don't think that's such a good idea," he said, just as another fight broke out.
"If I can't give them a piece of my mind, I don't want to stay here," she said.
Stavros looked at her, over at the group, then back to the clerk. "The lady wants to leave."
"I completely understand," the clerk said, very sympathetic. "Would you like me to call over to the other hotels and see if I can find similar accommodations?"
Stavros nodded and the clerk eagerly went to work.
After calling three other hotels and finding nothing available, Stavros said, "That's all right."
"We need to stay somewhere, don't we?" Amara asked. Despite the crude antics going on, she was beginning to see there wasn't much of a choice.
"There's something else you might like," the clerk said. He then informed them that throughout the island there were rental homes. If they wished, he could see what was available.
Stavros looked at Amara, who nodded it was worth a try. "How much more a night, just so I know."
"Normally the rates are comparable to what you would pay for the penthouse suite, or less."
Stavros nodded in approval, and the clerk went searching.
"I'm going to wait outside," Amara said. She tugged on the luggage cart and headed for the exit.
'The Maya' now publishes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Copyright © Glen Anthony Albrethsen, 2014-2018. All rights reserved.