Chapter 9: Guess Who’s Coming After Dinner?

Beth and Horace watched as their guests assembled in the dining room for the evening meal. Beth had prepared chicken and biscuits, with vegetables from Céline’s garden. As usual, they all ate with great appetite. Conversation was brief.

At the head of the table, Horace spoke up. “I see you all enjoyed the meal, as always, thanks to Beth (and Céline).

“We have a simple practice here at Lawson’s Hotel, after eating we ask each of us to say something about our day. I know this sounds suspicious, but we go in order by alphabet, so Andrew is now first to speak. Andrew?”

“Oh, today? Pretty ordinary, actually.” The others mimed throwing biscuits at his head.

“Alright. So, I woke up this morning on a hard mattress in a strange old hotel room. Then an attractive young woman barged into my room and abused me sexually.”

Ella made her “Who, me?” face of innocence and the others laughed.

“Then I was brought before you all and forced to account for myself while trying to eat. Followed by crazy stories about you all and your trips through time in this frequently overhauled hotel.”

“Next, Ella dragged me upstairs for supposed ‘brain training,’ which somehow involved even more savage assaults on my penis.” Andrew broadcast an image of a sweaty Ella riding upon him while he affected a frightened face. The room erupted in laughter.