Conjoining Paths

Alonzo knocked on the door to Stanley’s room at The Candlelight Inn. He stood waiting for the man to answer with his arms crossed.

When Stanley answered, he looked to be drunk and narrowed his eyes at Alonzo. “What the h*ll are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be watching James?” he asked as he kept most of his body covered with the door.

The terrible stench of alcohol and human arousal punched Alonzo in the face and he covered his nose. “I came to let you know that I have successfully baited James to be cognizant at the masquerade and to stay vigilant.”

Stanley looked at him confused. “Huh? Oh, right, yes, good,” he said, waving his hand in front of his face. He opened his mouth to say something else when a woman inside his room called out: “I charge by the hour!”

To this Stanley rolled his eyes. “I shouldn’t have to pay you at all!”

Alonzo cleared his throat. “I will come back later,” he said before turning and walking away.