Just before this chapter, Daniel has taken up the job to write a report on the Old Hall Hotel which is rumoured to be shutting. He has attempted to get in touch with Miranda, the owner, but instead has been communicating with Alex, the night watchman who seems to know everything there is to know about the hotel. He has arranged a meeting and tour with him to learn more. Chapter 2 It looked nothing like the brochure. Daniel had been sent an information pack through the post a couple of weeks ago. It had reminded Daniel of the posh hotels you saw in costume dramas, all black uniforms and tall hats. The writing he thought was rather clumsy and mismatched. Were they selling hotel rooms or permanent homes? The front of the brochure showed a black limo pulling up outside the hotel, its doors shining and inviting, a red carpet leading up to them. A bellboy stood at the door, smiling, his arms open wide as though nothing would make him happier than to welcome the pretentious-looking contents of the car and to carry their bags. ‘The Old Hall Hotel. Why choose anything less than luxury?’ Luxury, thought Daniel, was definitely in the eye of the beholder. The grand doors featured on the front of the brochure had been replaced by bizarre revolving doors which would have looked better placed in an airport or a hospital. They looked old, but not fashionably so. The red carpet was still there but it was damp and faded to a weak pink, dirt sticking sporadically in clumps. The rain poured relentlessly but Daniel suspected it wouldn't have looked much better in the most glorious of summer days. An old lantern hung above the door, unlit. Instead of the bellboy, Daniel could see Alex was waiting for him outside, looking desperately apologetic, which seemed, Daniel noticed, to be Alex’s default expression. ‘Daniel, welcome!’ Alex walked forward and held out a hand, shaking it vigorously. ‘So pleased you could make it.’ ‘Yeah, no problem. Thanks for having me.’ ‘Thank you.’ Alex clasped his hand before letting it go. ‘Come on in out of this miserable rain.’ *** There was an awkward few minutes trying to work out the revolving door [‘Not your fault, Daniel, not your fault, they need oiling. It’s on my to-do list’] Once they had finally tumbled through Daniel took in his surroundings. Alex indicated that he should leave his coat on an old wooden chest, which on closer inspection was actually a large, old church money collection box . ‘For alter flowers...cleared daily.’ ‘So you know nobody will nick it’ Alex winked. ‘God is watching.’ Daniel folded the coat around the box and attempted to clean his shoes on the scuffed floor. He walked forward but looked hesitantly back at Alex. He was at the start of a long, opposing corridor. He wondered at first if there had been some kind of power cut. It looked bizarrely and uninvitingly dark and dingy. Why, he wondered, did they at least not have a few well placed lamps if hall lights were too much of an ask? The only slithers of light came from the long windows coming from the two rooms either side of Daniel at the entrance. Two joker-like gargoyle faces stared down at him at the entrance to each. The doors and windows looking into the rooms were clear glass so that Daniel could see into both. It reminded him of the offices at work, his boss always having the ability to peer in to check up on them. Both the rooms looked like near carbon copies of each other, bar a piano in the far corner of the right room, which looked like it had seen better days. Daniel’s mind went fleetingly to a busy room, cocktail parties, a Cole Porter-type playing songs on he piano… Both rooms had green wallpaper which reminded Daniel strongly of how his Great Grandma had decorated her living room. A fireplace was in both, ashes lying old and untouched. There were deep window seats looking onto the street where people hurried past without so much as a glance. ‘Lots of ghosts in there’ Alex interrupted his thoughts. ’I call them the Nothing Rooms; they used to be very popular. These days, you might see someone with a coffee, if you’re lucky.’ ‘Does anyone play the piano?’ ‘Not anymore. At least I don’t think so. Although I hear it sometimes. The same three notes at ridiculous times. Couldn’t possibly be anyone in the hotel that I know of. Odd.’ Alex stared ahead, frowning slightly. If it was an act, it was a good one, Daniel thought. Perhaps a tease for new tourists and guests? It didn’t seem Alex’s style but nor did believing that ghosts were plonking on the piano at all hours. On the corridor walls were what his mum would call ‘knick knacks’. Old pennies found during a restoration of the hotel, old keys from abandoned doors and a peculiar painting of a bear on its four legs with a lead and collar. Underneath someone had written, ‘Exit, pursued by…’ ‘My favourite stage direction of all time’. Alex looked at the picture fondly. ‘Did you write that?’ Daniel pointed at the inscription. ‘Vandalise the hotel? Of course not. Nor did I write, ‘You don’t have to be mad to work here, but it helps’ in the kitchen. Right, let’s tell the boss you’re here, shall we?’ *** The reception- unusually- was down at the far end of the corridor. There was a frustrated, frazzled looking woman typing furiously into a large, clunky-looking outdated computer.. Her long, ginger hair kept falling into her eyes and Daniel wondered why she didn’t just tie it up. A portrait of the hotel hung behind her. Ivory hung from the windows and the St George flag flew from the roof. Like the brochure it had an oldness and sadness to it- like the front of an order of service at a funeral. ‘Alex, Daisy has had another fight with Lily and I think maybe...oh.’ She spotted Daniel and reluctantly stood up from behind the screen. ‘Sorry, I lost track of time...Dale was it? The article thing?’ ‘Daniel- yes’ he held out a hand, ‘Nice to meet you.’ ‘Likewise. Sorry I can’t stay but Alex knows the hotel and its secrets better than me anyway.’ ‘Not to worry. Thank you for letting me explore.’ ‘My pleasure. Listen, I’ll talk to you later, Alex. Do you mind keeping an eye on the desk? We’re not expecting anyone but you never know, miracles do happen. Maybe the cast of Barnum will all want rooms, orchestra and all.’ She walked out without another word, leaving the door swinging. ‘So that was the Boss.’ ‘Eeek.’ Alex smiled. ‘A lot on her shoulders. Shall we begin? Anywhere in particular you want to start?’ Daniel grasped for his notebook. ‘Can I meet anyone today?’ Alex paused. ‘Obviously, you might. They live here and it’s not like they’re under lock and key... but I wouldn’t encourage it at the moment.’ ‘It would be great to get some kind of conversation with them…’ ‘I agree.’ Alex surveyed him carefully. ‘But not yet.’ Daniel felt very much as though he was being told by a favourite teacher not to push his luck. Alex smiled. ‘Let me talk to them first, okay? Emotions are kind of high around here at the moment..’ ‘Okay.’ Daniel tried to mask his disappointment. Today was already proving to be a waste of time. ‘Can I offer you a drink before the tour?’ ‘Afterwards perhaps.’ ‘It shouldn’t take long. I’ll tell you as much as I can.’ *** He indicated for Daniel to go through the door opposite labelled ‘residents only’. Through it was an unhealthy, thin staircase which looked like it could barely fit or allow the weight of a small child through, let alone two fully grown men. Alex grinned at the look of trepidation on Daniel’s face. ‘Before we attempt the stairs, I suppose a point of interest is that directly under our feet is a stage.’ ‘A stage?’ ‘Are you a theatre-goer, Daniel?’ ‘I have seen my fair share of shows, I suppose..’ Daniel had attempted the theatre a handful of times but would hardly describe himself as a ‘theatre-goer.’ . His mum and dad had both loudly sobbed their way through Les Miserables, trying to outdo each other. He had found himself on edge, praying that his parents would stop crying and praying for a light hearted moment. When Master of the House came on he was so relieved he could have quite happily picked up a prop tankard and jumped over a few bar stools and sang along with gusto. Daniel just couldn’t lose himself in a performance, no matter how good it was. No matter if it was singing Hobbits, trains on roller skates or Jesus and Judas trying to outsing each other. He waited for the certainty of a line slip-up. It was a constant distraction. Daniel would find himself looking at the actors and wondering what they were having for tea later. If they were happy. Did the cast like each other? Were they in bitchy little groups? Did they hate it when someone nailed a note, take silent pleasure if someone’s voice cracked? Were they cringing as much as him when the male lead sang a solo, leaving the woman to gaze adoringly for four minutes into his eyes as he spat in her face at the high notes? And then the scene would change and he would have no idea what was going on. ‘I think perhaps we'll leave the stage for another day.’ Perhaps Alex could sense his discomfort. ‘Only I left the key in my room and it would be wasting your time, a lot to get through. Definitely worth a look at some point, though.’ ‘Swell. Shit. Did I just say swell?’ ‘You did.’ ‘I have never, ever said the word ‘swell’ in my life. Ever.’ ‘Really?’ ‘Really! Fuck me. Swell. Where the hell did swell come from? Via 1930s New York?’ Alex chuckled. ‘Don’t t worry yourself. I think this particular hotel backdrop grabs you and gives you a new character all of your own. And it’s a bugger. It holds no opinion to who you are and which character you would prefer. It’s like ‘Act one, Scene one, do you have your radio mike on?’... you know when you feel like you’re playing a part? When the things coming out of your mouth sound nothing like you?’ ‘Not really.’ ‘Hmm.’ Alex cleared his throat. ‘Any questions yet?’ Daniel shook himself, slightly unnerved. ‘I suppose firstly… is this place really haunted?’ ‘Oh, yes.’ ‘Do you tell all your potential customers that?’ ‘Scared?’ Alex chuckled. ‘It was always a debate whether to mention it in the brochure or not. ‘I’m not scared of ghosts. ’ ‘Some guests are. Most of them if they’re honest.’ ‘You seen one?’ ‘Seen one?’ Alex chuckled. ‘You want that drink now?’ ‘Go on- seriously- have you seen one?’ ‘Now, that’s not fair. I haven't worked you out yet.’ ‘Worked me out? ‘In regards to the ghosts or lack thereof. See, we had a whole morning meeting regarding ‘The Ghost Problem.’ This is the conclusion we came to. Young man walks in, has a Ghostbusters top on or starts talking about other dimensions… We tell him this is the most haunted building in England. We tell him about the noises in the basement. We tell him how the windows swing open of their own accord, even in the most mild of weather. Of the little girl in the pigtails and gas mask who loves nothing more than to learn her alphabet in the key of E at three in the morning. Especially in room 14 which, oh look Mr Ghostbuster, just so happens to be your room.’ Daniel stared. ‘That said, you aren’t swamped in children and an over-polite wife. See, if that were the case I would tell you to ignore anything you heard. That whistling you hear? I am so sorry, guilty as charged, I whistle all the time. Even in my sleep.The windows swinging open? Well, they’ve always been like that.’ ‘Which one is true? ‘Still thinking of staying?’ ‘...Yes’ ‘Room 14 is free. Shall we start?’ There was a sign saying that only residents could go up the staircase but Daniel could see nobody that would stop him even if he didn’t have the authority of Alex next to him. ‘I’m afraid the lift is out of service. It’s not far but the steps are a bit of a death trap, to be honest. Watch your step- and I mean every step.’ Daniel eyed the mismatched steps and the red carpet tufted out on each one. No wonder there are so many ghosts, he thought darkly. Guests would be lucky to survive the night. He followed Alex up to the first floor, stumbling despite himself. Alex, however, seemed to glide up the steps without thought. He stopped beside a bizarrely placed anchor on the landing. ‘Each floor originally had a different theme.’ Alex explained. ‘This floor was the Cruise Liner experience. It was very popular for a while. We kept the anchor. Memory of better days. The guests seem to like it but it does look rather random with the rest of the more...shall we say, mundane furnishings Miranda brought in.’ ‘The floor...it’s safe?’ ‘Oh yes.’ Alex said determinedly ‘Just old and tired.’ Daniel remained unconvinced as they walked along the corridor. The floor squeaked objectively with every step. The carpet looked as though at some point it was a vivid red but very much like the outside, had become a rather unpleasant faded, dirty version of itself. ‘This is my favourite spot in the hotel.’ Alex pulled back the curtain and Daniel felt himself give the first genuine reaction since he’d arrived. ‘It’s beautiful.’ The view, like the interior, seemed to be stuck in a different time. The window framed the Opera House Theatre opposite to the hotel, with the park in the foreground. Daniel could see the tops of a fountain and hear the squeals of delight as children played in the lake. ‘Stunning isn’t it?’ Alex looked proudly on, a touch of relief in his voice. The Opera House Theatre was completely white-bricked, and even in the sad drizzle seemed to shine as though it was a Spanish villa, bathed in bright sunlight. Daniel followed his gaze and looked across to the theatre- matinee crowds were starting to arrive. Little dots, on their first trip to the theatre. The Tiger Who Came to Tea was showing and many had their faces painted. ‘Makes you think doesn’t it?’ Alex said softly. ‘What do you mean?’ Alex didn’t answer him. *** The bar wasn’t what Daniel had been expecting at all. It reminded Daniel of an old traditional pub that had been taken over by a Wetherspoons. Bright, coffee table sized menus lay on each table, with bright orange and purple sofas facing them. It screamed of someone trying to be younger then they were, hiding a more plain yet classy interior under too much makeup. Perhaps sensing this, Alex tried to draw Daniel’s attention to some old cabinets next to the window. These, he said proudly, were some of the hotels best historical artifacts- Daniel peered in, frustrated by the faded football flags hanging down over the display. ‘Here.’ Alex got a key out of his pocket and opened up the cabinet. ‘Miranda won’t let us take the flags down. Says it gives the place a modern feel. They’ve been up since two World Cups ago.’ Alex gestured to Daniel to look in. There was a collection of trophies, certificated and framed photos. Daniel picked up the nearest trophy. ‘3rd prize in the Most Prestigious Toe Battle of 1922?’ Alex smiled. ‘One of my favourites.’ Daniel put it back and looked closely at a photograph. A row of people stood outside, some in army uniforms, unsmiling.It was as faded as everything else but an old handwritten inscription in the corner dated it as 1917. ‘Nice, isn’t it?’ Alex said. ‘That this place was here then… through it all. Shall we?’ The seating was completely inappropriate for eating. Alex indicated to a sofa which Daniel immediately sank far too deeply in to. The table was positioned far above it and Daniel looked sideways at an elderly lady struggling to get a spoonful of soup into her shaking mouth. He felt ashamed that it made his stomach turn and he turned down the offer of a plate of ham sandwiches, opting only for the local ale instead. Bizarrely, around their table was a collection of drawings of chickens . It made Daniel think of a picture from his mother’s house. There were mainly seascapes and photos on display but in the kitchen there was an inexplicable picture of a highland cow. Never had he heard his mum even make a passing comment on a highland cow or even the picture itself. An unsmiling waitress placed a board down with various offers splashed across it. ‘Win a Dream Holiday!’, ‘3 Fiery Shots for the price of 2!’ ‘Double up on any spirit for only £1.50!’ Alex looked at them sourly. ‘They don’t really go with the optimistic grandeur of the place, do they?’ ‘Not really.’ ‘Not very popular either. Last ditch effort by Miranda I think. Get the cool kids in...I dunno.Can hardly imagine a night of shots amongst the chickens can you?’ Daniel was alarmed that Alex suddenly looked very tired and tearful. ‘Things will pick up soon.’ Daniel said quietly. Alex smiled weakly. ‘That’s what I keep saying. Those exact words.’ He looked across at the old lady. ‘And I hate having to lie to them.’ ‘What if it wasn’t a lie?’ ‘Sorry?’ ‘What if…’ Daniel leant forward, his stomach churning with excitement. ‘What if we saved this place?’ ‘Saved it?’ ‘This article...it could drum up support. A couple of sob stories, some history, some ghosts...who can tell where it could lead?’ Alex gave him a sad smile,’ Sounds good.’ ‘No, I mean it! Get it up on social media, #savetheoldhall- get some interviews with staff, residents… this doesn’t have to be the end!’ ‘Well. Why not?’ The finality and lightness of this statement made it clear that Alex had said all he had to say on the matter. Feeling somewhat flat at this lack of enthusiasm, Daniel looked about the room feeling somewhat embarrassed. ‘I keep seeing signs for The Pauper’s Pit- had a look on my way back from the loo- but it said 'Staff Only.’ ‘That’s right. It’s the stage I was telling you about. Locked and bolted to the public, I’m afraid. ’ ‘Oh.’ Daniel felt momentarily begrudged that he was still counted as somebody not being able to look ‘behind the curtain.’ ‘Daniel.’ Alex fingered the beer mat. ‘How about you check in, as our guest? I mean, obviously you’d be a guest but...for free. Could help with the book.’ ‘The article’ ‘Excuse me, the article.’ Daniel considered Alex for a moment. Maybe this older man was unaware of the power of words and social media. Unaware of how far a few retweets could go. Daniel had never felt so needed. ‘You said room 14 was free?’
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