A Tempered Mistress

The desk clerk looked from Rosa's deadon stare to the fat purse in front of him. "I have to ask, are you family?" Rosa's crooked her head at him. Cora's mouth tightened further. Rafel folded his arms. The young man was visibly intimidated by these tall, beautiful people. He stammered, "it's hotel policy."

Just then, the baritone of the concierge rumbled out from the side door. The man himself walked out. And the wiry clerk scooped up the coin purse before his boss's lynx eyes could catch it. The hotel concierge spoke to the young man to leave him with the new guests.

"Go on, Curtis. I'll handle this from here."