Scene 8

Hotel Lobby, Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo

My team had separated upon clearing customs. Ms. Thrush took her own taxi to maintain her cover as a socialite enjoying Monaco.

Ms. Hawk and Ms. Stork took advantage of the hotel transfer bus in keeping with their cover as two friends on holiday.

The others would travel with me as Alexander Dove’s personal staff. Ms. Starling was my personal assistant; Ms. Falcon was my driver; Ms. Swan and Ms. Raven were other assistants who monitored my daily business.

As our private car pulled up to the Hotel de Paris, the staff greeted us. As one of their staff opened my door, another man greeted me.

“Monsieur Dove,” he said offering his hand to me. “I am the hotel manager, Philippe Fiable. Let me welcome you to Monaco and to the Hotel de Paris.”

“Thank you, Philippe, it’s been a long flight from the States and we would like to relax for a bit if we could.”

“Of course, your suite is ready. If you would please follow me to the desk, all we need is your signature and we will show you to your suite.”

Philippe gestured to the bellboys, who quickly loaded our luggage onto their carts. He led us to the desk in the lobby.

“Margarite,” he said to the clerk there. “This is Monsieur Dove and his staff. You have his paperwork.”

“Yes, of course,” she answered. “Welcome to Monaco, Monsieur Dove, ladies.” She placed a form on the desk and handed me a pen. “Monsieur Dove, if you would please sign here and here,” she said pointing to the lines on the form.

I signed in as Alexander Dove and handed her back the pen. “Merci, and would you like to keep the reservation on the same credit card?” she asked.

“Yes, that will be fine, Margarite,” I answered, being sure to pronounce her name correctly and giving her my best charming smile.

She blushed slightly and handed the forms back to me. “Thank you, Monsieur, that is all I need. If there is anything you need, please let me know.”

I took the papers from her and handed them to Ms. Starling, who quickly placed them in her briefcase.

I turned back to Margarite. “Margarite,” I said pleasantly, “This is Ms. Starling, my personal assistant. If you need me for anything, you may contact her.”

Margarite nodded to Ms. Starling. “Ms. Starling,” she said professionally.

“Please,” said Ms. Starling, extending her hand to Margarite, “It’s Priscilla.”

“Thank you, Margarite,” said Philippe. “Monsieur Dove, if you would follow me, I will personally escort you to your suite.”