The Hyperion, Thursday evening

[fates_jaye]

Just about the time it starts to get dark, there might be a familiarish voice from the hotel lobby calling "Helloooooo?"

A second later, Jaye's calling it again, this time listening for the echo. She might have to just keep doing it until someone shows, or she hears the echo. Whichever comes first.

Comments

[fh_jackass]

Something flies over the second-floor railing and lands in front of Jaye. It's a severed hand, the fingers twitching and blood glistening on the stump.

If you didn't look too closely at it, you might even think it was real.

[fates_jaye]

Jaye pauses, frowning at it. "Um, if you're an insane killer, I'm just going to be going this way now. Please don't follow me. Seriously, I'm so not good for your attention whoring tendencies."

[fh_jackass]

"I was hoping to get a whole animatronic monster to jump out at new people," Logan said, from the second floor. He walked down the stairs, sliding his hand along the bannister. "Budget constraints kinda suck."

[fates_jaye]

"We can make one out of foam rubber and Play-Doh!" she says hopefully, and bends to pick up the appendage. "It's kind of the same thing."

[fh_jackass]

"Not a bad idea," Logan said approvingly. "Welcome to the Hyperion."

[fates_jaye]

"Thank you," she says. "And I've been here for a whole five minutes and an earthquake hasn't caused the state to fall off into the ocean yet. Score!"

[fh_jackass]

"That never happens on Thursdays," Logan assured her. "Want a tour?"

[fates_jaye]

"Sure," she says, waving the hand. "The rest of this isn't hiding in a closet ready to fall on me, is it?"

[fh_jackass]

"No," Logan said. "But it's not a bad idea." He showed her the area behind the reception desk, where two desks were facing each other. Both had computers and the usual office supplies, but one was covered with assorted papers and books and the other was bare. "My desk," he said, pointing at the messy one, "and your desk." He pointed to the other. "Angel's office is through that door and the weapons cabinet is over there," he said, pointing to each respectively.

[fates_jaye]

"There's a weapons cabinet?" she asks, peering in that direction. "I'm not sure if that makes me feel better or if you should all be very afraid."

[fh_jackass]

Logan grinned. "We can teach you how to use some of the stuff. Enough to protect yourself, at least."

[fates_jaye]

Jaye's trying really hard not to laugh, because she might hurt herself. "Or I could just run screaming. I like my plan."

[fh_jackass]

"Not a bad one, as plans go," Logan said sincerely. "But it might not hurt for you to learn a few alternatives."

[fates_jaye]

"What about pie in the face?" she tries.

[fh_jackass]

"Squishy things are surprisingly non-fatal to demons," Logan said, then added, "Most of the time."

[fates_jaye]

"It could be acid pie."

[fh_jackass]

Logan eyed her. "I am not eating any of your cooking."

[fates_jaye]

"Hey, I will have you know I am very good at ordering pizza. As long as someone else is paying."

[fh_jackass]

"Good," Logan said. "Angel sucks at that. Personally, I'm better at ordering Mexican, but I can do just about anything in a pinch, as long as I have Google or a phone book."

[fates_jaye]

"See, this is going to work out great. You see how we all come together as a team with the important things?"

[fh_jackass]

Logan smiled. "You might do, at that."

[fates_jaye]

Jaye crosses her fingers. "Where's my room?"

[fh_jackass]

Logan picked up a key from behind the reception desk and tossed it to her. "There's a suite on the fourth floor that's ready to go. If you don't like it, you're welcome to move into any of the empty rooms. Though," he added, "if it's one of the ones we haven't cleaned out yet, you're on your own."

[fates_jaye]

She fumbles with the key, but doesn't drop it like a total dork. "Do I want to know what you're cleaning out from?"

[fh_jackass]

"Nothing gory," Logan assured her. "This place was abandoned for years before we took over. A paranoia demon was living here. But Angel was all sentimental about the place 'cause he got lynched here back in the fifties, so we kicked out the demon and moved in." He looked around at the architecture. "It did clean up nicely," he admitted."

[fates_jaye]

"It isn't bad," she admits. "You guys did good. And if I'm paying compliments I might be tired, so I'm gonna see how cool my room is."

[fh_jackass]

"Thanks," Logan grinned. "There's an elevator in the lobby - that way," he pointed. "If you run into any trouble, I'm in -" he paused. "Well, Angel's in 238. That's your best bet if there's trouble."

[fates_jaye]

Jaye looks over, spotting the elevator. "Got it," she says. "I will see you later, um... hotelmate."

[fh_jackass]

"Sleep well," Logan said. "See you tomorrow."