2Promises

by Phil Armstrong

  Beth walked through into the hotel. To her left were a couple of steps leading to an area with stainless steel railings and a sloping glass roof. To the right lay the reception area. It looked large compared to The Astor Hotel. There appeared to be a lower level connected by two large moving escalators cut through the floor leading down to conference rooms. The floor was made of shiny beige marble and tall dark chocolate colored pillars. She followed the doorman to the check in counter. The check in counter was high technology with brightly lit panels of white lights illuminating the area. An oval shaped piece of richly colored wood seemed to float above the desk peppered with bright pot lights. The counter was a combination of brushed steel and shiny burgundy marble, all very modern. Behind the counter on the wall was an illuminated splash of yellow, white, orange and indigo. It looked thoroughly artsy. Three attendants were positioned behind the counter. A young man was talking to a lady checking in. Two women were standing at separate workstations looking into black flat screen computer monitors. The doorman led Beth to the first woman attendant. Beth was greeted with a large welcoming smile.

  “Checking in Miss?”

  “Yes,” said Beth.

  She noticed the woman was wearing a dark grey jacket, white blouse and a gold nametag. Maria had dark long curly hair swept back away from her face and held in place with silver clips.

  “If I can see some photo ID and credit card please?” asked Maria.

  Beth handed over her passport, “I’ll pay by cash,” she said.

  Maria typed into the computer she was suspicious of any guest saying that they would pay with cash. She pulled up Beth’s reservation from the name on the passport. A pop up window alerted Maria to some special instructions. Maria looked up and smiled at Beth, “I’m sorry I won’t be a minute, my systems a little slow tonight please excuse me,” she said buying time. The attached special instructions informed Maria that Beth was an “A” type guest. This status was reserved for the wealthy, celebrities and high-ranking VIP’s. The instructions also informed Maria that the room and all incidentals had been prepaid using an authorized corporate account. A letter was waiting in the back pigeonhole. When Miss Martindale checks in she should be given the letter marked to her attention. She should be informed that it is from a Mr. Wilks. Maria turned and looked down, only two envelopes pushed out of the pigeonholes. She grabbed the nearest and it was marked “Miss Martindale.” Maria turned to look at Beth who looked tired and irritable.

  “I’m sorry this is taking so long Miss Martindale but the file had specific instructions upon your arrival,” explained Maria. “This is for you, it’s from a Mr. Wilks,” she said handing over the envelope. “Is one room key sufficient?” inquired Maria.

  “Yes, one’s fine,” said Beth half asleep.

  Maria completed the online registration and looked up at Beth. “Here’s your room key, you’re in room 732, a city view. Your room and incidentals is all prepaid Miss Martindale on corporate account. Just let us know when you need to check out. Sorry for the delay, would you like assistance with your bag Miss Martindale?” asked Maria.

  “No thank you, I’m tired, I’d just like to go to my room,” stammered Beth feeling dirty and tired.

  “Of course Miss, the elevators are to your right just before you reach the Azure bar and lounge, have a good night’s rest,” said Maria.

  “Thank you,” said Beth.

  She headed for the elevators stopping to look at the impressive sloping glass and steel roof. As she looked into the Azure lounge she could hear gentle music accompanied by laughter and eating. She saw a narrow corridor with a thin area rug. There was a dark wood frame surrounding metal elevator doors. Above each door were modern oblong shaped lights. Beth pressed the elevator button and a soft pinging noise announced the arrival of an elevator. She rode to the seventh floor observing in a mirror how tired and disheveled she looked after more than 24 hours of traveling. It did not take her long to find room 732. Beth swiped the card key and entered placing the card into the slot in the wall. It was a tasteful room quite modern in its decor. The carpet was chocolate brown with cream colored waving stripes. The bed was King sized and had crisp white sheets and a beige duvet. Multiple pillows were stacked against a high headboard made of dark richly colored lacquered wood. Either side stood a square table and drawers. They each sported a tall metal lamp whose bright white shades contrasted starkly against the dark wood. Two brown comfy armchairs surrounded a small glass table with flowers and magazines placed upon it. A dark colored desk supported a thin screen LCD television. The window had a window seat and Beth could see the bright lights of city skyscrapers through the blinds.

  She approached the window and closed the heavy set of drapes blocking out the city and the lights. Beth locked the door, dropped her backpack and got undressed. She threw her clothes in a pile on one of the armchairs. Naked, she walked into the bathroom. It consisted of marble, glass and mirrors. She grabbed the white terry cloth robe and slipped into it. Beth was getting used to hotel living but it was starting to lose its appeal. She grabbed the envelope from the chair and fell back onto the bed.

  “Wow, this is a soft bed,” thought Beth.

  She opened the envelope discarding the outer layer onto the bedside table. She opened the folded letter. The letter was a printed version of an email sent to the hotel. On the top of the letter was a corporate logo. The logo displayed the head of a snarling tiger with the words “The Generosity Account” underneath. Beth looked at the tigers face. She recalled Aklina calling Anwar her tiger. She recalled the tigers guarding the palace at Mysore. She looked down at the letter.

  * * * * *

  Dear Ms. Martindale.

  I received a phone call from Ms. Kaigara Tanaka from Swan Property Investments inquiring about your whereabouts, credentials and intention to meet with her in Toronto. We have not had a chance to formally introduce ourselves but I do know that Anwar has informed you that I am a trusted servant to the Generosity Account and to your new responsibilities. At the bottom of this letter I have included my contact details with phone number, mobile, fax and email address. Please, do not hesitate to contact me at any time, day or night. I took the liberty of contacting The Astor Hotel and they have informed me of your travel arrangements. I assumed that you were heading to Toronto to meet with Ms. Tanaka. I hope you don’t mind. I’ve arranged a meeting for you with Ms. Tanaka tomorrow (Thursday) for 11am. Ms. Kaigara Tanaka, CEO, Swan Property Investments, Royal Bank Plaza, Suite 323 (about a 10 minute walk from your hotel). Her calendar is quite full and I feared without the right context you may have been screened and kept waiting unnecessarily. The Generosity Account is Swan’s largest customer by far, making you her most important client by a country mile. Ask her for the latest recommendations on the portfolio these are due. She provides a very good return and although she’s a demanding person we’ve been pleased with her services. Beth, I urge you to consult with me before making any immediate investment decisions but as always your word is final. I would like the opportunity to brief you on the strategy before you instigate any changes. Kaigara can be a little direct. Don’t let her push you around. We have not met but Anwar has told me that you are a strong willed individual. I like that and look forward to working with you. I have arranged for the Generosity Account to pick up your expenses while in Toronto. Call me for assistance with onward flights or other hotels and expenses. I look forward to serving you and meeting with you upon your return to England.

  Mr. David Wilks

  CEO, Blue Phoenix Group

  * * * * *

  Beth placed the letter on the side table and walked over to her backpack. She searched its contents until she found Lord Ganesha. She walked back to the bed and placed him on the nightstand close to her pillow. With relative ease Beth fell into a deep sleep. The bed was large and comfortable.

  “Where are you?” she thought.

  Beth had been looking forward to talking with Subra she had missed their discussions.
Beth scanned the energy patterns as best she could. She searched for that familiar signature. It took a while but she concentrated and found a weak signal that she recognized. She honed in on it and amplified the energy trace.

  “Hello, I kind of missed you,” thought Beth hoping to hear Subra’s familiar voice.

  “When your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme,” said Subra.

  “Ah Jiminy Cricket, a good opening line,” thought Beth.

  “Is your heart in finding the portal?” asked Subra.

  “It is, it is. I’ll find it for you I promised you that. I know I don’t have much time, is this your subtle way of telling me that?”

  “This is a team effort. If you can’t put people up, please don’t put them down. We’re in this together Beth I need you to know that,” said Subra.

  “I do my friend, I do. Don’t worry I’ll find your portal, just as I found Rose. I’m going to find out why Kaigara and the Shell are connected. It’s going to lead us in the right direction,” thought Beth.

  “The person who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything,” said Subra.

  “I’ve made mistakes already but I don’t doubt I’ll come through this with you intact.”

  “Success is an inside job,” said Subra fading.

  “This is starting to wear you out isn’t it?” asked Beth.

  “The more I communicate the more energy it takes from me Beth,” said Subra in a stronger tone.

  “You can’t tell me how long I have but even Anwar knew he didn’t have long. Can you give me any idea?” asked Beth in a concerned tone.

  “Beth, I’m sorry I don’t know, just find the portal as quickly as you can and I’ll hang on as long as I can, deal?” asked Subra.

  “Deal,” responded Beth. “You know I’m stubborn and you know I’m not going to let you down. I don’t know the answer yet but I will.”

  Subra paused and responded, “People don’t really care how much you know until they know how much you care. I’m certain you care and I’m certain you’ll find the portal. Beth, trust your instincts.”

  “Every time I chat with you Subra, you give me something to think about. I replay your words during the day and they give me inspiration. Some people march to the beat of a different drummer and some polka!” thought Beth.

  “Beth tomorrow is a big day for you. I firmly believe there are messages for us. We’ll need to be open to hear them. You’ll need to ask questions and listen carefully. You’ll meet people more worldly wise than yourself but remember I’m with you. I know you can make a breakthrough tomorrow, I can feel it. Eighty percent of success is showing up,” said Subra.

  “I’ll get us moving again tomorrow,” thought Beth. “I need to leave you now and dream, I can sense that I’m wearing you out, conserve your energy.”

  “Never compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got,” said Subra fading away.

  Beth entered into a dream state almost immediately. She enjoyed talking with Subra and felt sad that her deep conversations were now reduced to snippets of time. Beth found herself in the middle of her dream. She was restrained and locked in a tower. She was wearing a beautiful fitted sundress and was being kissed by the fit man on the plane. He grinned as she woke and opened her eyes.

  “Subra’s going to think I’m a sex maniac,” she thought as she struggled to recognize objects in her room. “Toronto,” she muttered as she lay back and scanned the dimly lit room. Beth glanced at the heavy dark curtains blocking the natural sunlight. She turned her neck to stare at the alarm clock with its large red luminous numbers. 10.05am was displayed on the clock. Beth stretched and smiled, “I must have been tired,” she thought.

  Her smile dropped quickly when she realized that she had less than an hour before she was due to meet Kaigara. Beth sprung out of bed and ran for the shower throwing her robe to the floor. She turned on the shower and brushed her teeth while the water warmed up. The shower kicked into life with great force, the water pressure was fierce. Beth opened the glass door, stepped inside and showered. She dressed quickly in her trusty jeans, yellow tee shirt and runners. Once her ponytail was in place she was ready to go. She locked the safe and looked at the letter from Mr. Wilks. I hope you don’t mind. I’ve arranged a meeting for you with Ms. Tanaka tomorrow (Thursday) for 11am. Ms. Kaigara Tanaka, CEO, Swan Property Investments, Royal Bank Plaza, Suite 323 (about a 10 minute walk from your hotel).

  She tucked the note into her jeans pocket. Her last superstitious act was to take Lord Ganesha from the nightstand and gently place him into her backpack. Beth locked her room door and quickly entered the elevator. A Chinese looking girl about 22 years old held onto her boyfriend. She had a fresh cute face with loose long black hair flowed freely framing intense brown sparkling eyes. She wore small black flats, Lululemon yoga pants and a cute blue Point Zero scoop neck top. He looked Caucasian with curly brown hair, an unshaven look, strong jaw and an athletic figure. He wore Puma sneakers, worn jeans and a black Lacoste golf shirt. They were clearly in love, as they could barely keep apart. Beth felt that twinge inside again. She needed someone to share her life with, not just a voice in her head. The elevator ride made her feel uncomfortable and she was relieved when she walked quickly to the main entrance. Beth walked into a beautiful Toronto morning, the sun was shining and the traffic was buzzing along Front Street.

  It was about 10.45am and she turned to ask the door man, “I’ve been told that the Royal Bank Plaza isn’t too far from here, is that right?”

  “That’s right, all you need to do is just continue East down Front Street,” he said pointing in the direction, “for about three blocks or so. The Royal Bank Plaza is the gold shiny building on the North side of the street,” he said motioning to the other side of the street. “You can’t miss it, look for the mirrored gold tinted glass.”

  Beth remembered the short video of Toronto on the Jet Airways flight. She recalled seeing a gold colored skyscraper glistening in the bright sunshine. So that was where she was going, to the Royal Bank Plaza. Beth thanked the doorman and started to walk East along Front Street. She passed restaurants getting ready for the lunchtime crowd and came to a busy intersection. She waited for the light to change and squinted into the strong sunlight. On the North side stood a building that did not fit into its surroundings. Beth saw a tall stone building with a grand entrance complete with red carpet and a bellhop dressed in a red coat and tall black top hat. The Royal York Hotel stood proud, a symbol of a bygone age. The green copper roof pointed to a time when builders used different materials. The building looked impressive and Beth was caught staring at the stone gargoyles as the light changed. A swell of people moved across the intersection given permission by a small green light. Beth was swept along with the movement. It was all very civil, in the midst of cars and crowds of people the traffic signals were totally obeyed. Cars waited patiently for pedestrians to cross and move out of the way.

  “There’s that Canadian politeness,” thought Beth.

  She crossed the intersection and passed a hot dog stand. She walked along and stared at the full might of the Royal York hotel. The sidewalk opened up and she could see a statue of a man inside an iron sphere with metal birds flying around him. This was Union Station she could read the signage. For being in the heart of downtown Toronto she could not see one piece of litter and marveled at how clean it was. As Beth continued to walk the first hint of gold rushed into her eyes. The strong sun caught the reflection of the gold particles embedded within the reflective glass. The Royal Bank Plaza came into view. Beth saw people walking across the road where a wide median was placed containing trees and flowerbeds. She saw a gap in the traffic; she was looking to her right, the wrong way! She walked to the median and crossed the street looking both ways. Looking right this time she spotted another gap, she quickly crossed the two lanes and stepped onto the opposite sidewalk of Front Street. Beth saw a revolving door that led into the front lobby of the Plaza. She entered and could feel th
e cool air conditioning on her cheeks. She had been unaware of how hot it really was outside. It was not India but it was warm. Beth reached into her backpack and retrieved her meeting instructions. She glanced at her watch, 10.53am.

  “Right on time,” said Beth to herself.

  She glanced at the instruction sheet, 11am meeting, Ms. Kaigara Tanaka, Swan Property Investments, Royal Bank Plaza, Suite 323.