Read Online Crestmont by Holly Weiss - Free Book Online Page A

“Another thing. Always say your ‘ ing’s ’ at the ends of your words. Don’t say ‘ lookin ’ and draggin ’. Highly educated guests stay here at the Crestmont . They’ll respect you more if you clean up how you talk. Now, did you see how I carried those bags perfectly evenly? Mind you, one suitcase is usually much heavier than the others because that’s where they keep their bootleg. You get a better tip if you pretend they’re all light as a feather.”
    “ Whadya mean, their bootleg? People bring their own hooch?”
    “Sure! They’ve got their own personal speakeasy in a boodle bag. Okay, let’s get a move on down to the lobby and you do the next guest.”
    Bessie was on her knees on the landing, wiping up spilled tea. Mr. Woods stood uncomfortably by, holding a tray of broken tea cups, nodding and smiling to guests as they passed. “Please report to Mrs. Woods when you are done here, Bessie.”
    Mr. Woods pulled Zeke and Jimmy to the side. “Boys, what was that all about?” He demanded, clasping his hands behind his back.
    “Nothing, sir,” Zeke said. “I’m just showing Jimmy the ropes, like you asked me.”
    Mr. Woods opened his mouth to say something, gave an authoritative nod and turned on his heel. After he had descended the staircase, Bessie demanded, “What the Sam Hill are ya doin ’ in that uniform, Jimmy? Shouldn’t ya be cuttin ’ grass or somethin ?”
    He flushed proudly, straightening his maroon cap. “Mr. W made me a bellhop this morning, Bessie.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “I was tryin ’ to find you to tell you I gotta work, so I can’t meetcha tonight, snookie .”
    “ Slammin Jack, Jimmy!” Bessie pushed herself to her feet and whacked him with the damp cloth. Why didn’t ya tell Mr. W ya had personal matters to attend to?”
    “Well, look at you, being all tetchy, Bessie.” Jimmy whipped the rag out of her hand and waved it back and forth in front of her nose. “I noticed you weren’t tellin ’ him you had somethin ’ else to do when he had you wipin ’ up somethin ’.”
    “I’m off, lovers.” Zeke chirped, trying to steer clear of their squabbling. “You know the ropes now, Jimmy. Got a hot date with my harmonica and a sweet blue-eyed waitress. Thanks, buddy. Because of you, now I’ll get every other Saturday night off.”

     
    ****

     
    “I say, Margaret, how do we survive Saturday registration each week? I was showing Celeste Woodford to her room and that damned black cat ran in front of Mae, causing her to spill her tea tray. I want to know who owns that cat and why it is always in here,” William Woods demanded, meticulously straightening the chairs in her office.
    “I don’t know, dear, but it is very friendly. Actually, most of our guests love it. Mrs. Pennington sits on the porch for hours with it curled up on her lap. Just shoo it outdoors if it bothers you.”
    “Well, that’s the least of our worries. I overheard Zeke just now telling Jimmy how to help our guests sneak in their alcohol. He said something about not letting on that one suitcase was heavy with bottles.” He rapped his knuckles on her desk. “I will allow neither local moonshine nor Canadian contraband in this establishment. We will not be party to breaking the Prohibition Act.”
    “Remember, dear, national prohibition states that it is a crime to sell alcoholic beverages. There is no ban on personal consumption. What do you propose we do, William, inspect the guests’ bags as they check in for their stay?”
    “If that is what is needed to maintain our standards, yes.” William reddened.
    Margaret rose. Gently placing her hand on his shoulder, she said evenly, “William, perhaps you feel it is your moral obligation to police the guests, but to inspect their luggage is illegal. The best we can do is to set an example by remaining liquor-free in our establishment in accordance with the law. If the guests want to have a cocktail in their rooms before