Identification Problems

A humongous building stood menacingly in front of Randolph as he exited the cab.

The building was giant and majestic, build of blue glass as it reached into the sky like a hand. Its height wasn't comparable to a skyscraper, but it matched the looks more than well enough.

The entrance of the building was large and intimidating. The multiple lights that lined its walls shone yellowish light that were reflected off of the glass, making it appear as if the front lower half of the building was covered in gold.

"Thanks for the ride, mister. Make sure you call me if you need me again!"

Behind him, the cab driver waved to him as he called out. He had an ingratiating smile on his face as he drove away, but it was genuine due to the money in his hands.

The establishment in front of Randolph was four-star hotel. It was the last stop he had decided to come to after a long period of contemplation in the car.

He had already stopped by the Oldbill plaza's standalone ATM for John's overseas account, withdrawing the entire maximum daily limit of $20k before decisively snapping the card in half, tossing the two halves down a sewer manhole.

Whether it was today or tomorrow, decisive action would be taken the moment John's dead body was uncovered. His accounts were likely to be sealed off while police investigations were being conducted, and he was more than likely to be traced through the card. He couldn't take any risks, and therefore abandoned the card for solid cash.

The other $80k or so was a rather large sacrifice, but the young man had no regrets. It was simply not worth it otherwise.

Reaching his hand down to his pants pocket, he patted it down for the thirtieth-odd time that night.

Inside his pocket were two wallets, both of which had been stuffed absolutely full of bills.. Withdrawing the money had given him a horrifying amount of bills. He had been forced to buy the cab driver's wallet just for another space to store them.

What he had to spare currently, combined with his old severance payment, was around $22500 dollars in hard cash.

It was more money that Randolph had ever held in his life by multiple fold. It was an enormous amount to him, but he had long realized that it wouldn't last long. Not to mention, this was only the beginning. He couldn't allow himself to be excited or feel sated just yet.

The large hotel sat downtown on a corner of an extremely busy road. It was located in the center of the city's economy, where the most cash flowed from sources of entertainment like gambling and partying. If one were to look around at the street, it would be made immediately clear as to how busy the city was.

Even in the dead of night, the city was alive and active.

Many cars zoomed by with drunkards staggering on the sidewalks. Loud music blared from multiple large-name establishments, for both dining and entertainment, and shouts of joy and excitement could be heard from the party-goers.

In such an atmosphere, Randolph was incredibly out of place. His clothes attracted a few obvious suspicious stares and people would veer out of his way the moment they caught scent of him.

But the young man didn't care, his gaze drawn to the hotel in front of him as he walked with his back straight.

The hotel in front of him was a popular one known as the High-Ring Suites. It was a four star hotel that offered excellent service for a decent price.

That wasn't why Randolph had chosen it though. He had chosen it after searching up which hotels nearby would accept hard cash as payment. Most large ones wouldn't, only accepting credit. Only one centered near gambling establishments would bother to do so for ease of convenience.

…The hell.

Randolph couldn't help but be inwardly shocked among seeing the hotel up close.

Even just its entrance screamed luxury, with multiple automatic revolving doors that stretched to form a line ten meters along. Two young men dressed in neat red uniforms lined both ends of the doors, bellboys that were meant to park the cars or provide assistance.

They gave Randolph curious looks as he approached, shifting uncomfortably.

"Uhm, sir. I apologize for stopping you, but this establishment doesn't provide free meals, beds, or charity services." The bellboy on the left sighed as he stepped forward to confront Randolph.

His manner of speech was awkward, with a business smile on his face as he scratched the back of his head, but his voice was clear and strong. Clearly he had dealt with the same circumstances several times before.

"I'm not a beggar. I'm here to book a stay for a while." Frowning, Randolph shot the man the most disdainful look he could manage. "Don't block my path."

The experienced bellboy exchanged an awkward glance with his colleague before stepping back. He naturally fell in line with Randolph's pace, trailing around three steps behind him with his back bowed.

"…?"

"Do you have any luggage you would like me to carry, sir? Or perhaps, may I take your coat for you?"

"…No, it's fine."

Randolph was quite surprised at how easily he had given in, but he quickly realized that this probably wasn't natural behaviour. He was following Randolph to do his job, not trusting him, but saving Randolph's face by being respectful.

The movements were practiced, as if he had done them many times before.

"Do you get a lot of troublesome guests?"

"Er, whatever could you mean, sir?"

"Never mind." Shaking his head, Randolph continued walking.

He didn't care about the tail behind him, as long as he was able to gain a stay at the hotel.

The lobby of the hotel was absolutely majestic. Its ceiling was over five meters tall, the floor covered with clean carpets. Fake plants had been placed meticulously around the building's interior, and the walls had been inlaid with what seemed to be silver that occasionally ran down its smooth surface.

Many lavish couches and tables were placed near the glass, both practical and for decoration. The floor of the lobby was made entirely of marble, forming in to create many tables and a single large desk at the far end of the room. It wasn't an exaggeration to say it looked clean enough to eat off of.

There were several people in the hotel, all well-dressed as they moved about. A few staff members shot glances towards Randolph as he walked, but their gazes shifted away upon seeing the bellboy that trailed behind him.

"Is that the receptionist desk?" Pointing at the desk at the end of the room, Randolph turned towards the bellboy.

"Yes, sir."

"Just to confirm, this hotel does accept hard cash right?"

"Of course, sir. You will need a deposit beforehand, but that depends on how long you'll be staying. You'll have to settle it with the front desk."

"Mmh."

It took him a whole two minutes to get to the end of the room, near the desk.

Behind the desk was a woman in a uniform similar to the bellboy's. She was young and cute, and her eyes were full of energy.

"Hello, sir! What can I do for you today?" She greeted Randolph enthusiastically, not giving a second glance towards his appearance.

Good service. 

Randolph could tell that she was being genuine and not acting as her face didn't even budge upon seeing him.

"I'm here to book a room to stay."

"Allow me to confirm, do you have a prior reservation?"

"I don't."

"I understand. I'm sorry to ask this of you, but we'll have to go through standard check-in formalities. This will require you're, uh… things like identification, name, preferences, and contact information."

"Er, I understand, but I don't have ID with me. I was robbed before I came here, but I do have more than enough money to pay with me, in cash."

"Umm.." Appearing slightly lost for words, the young lady exchanged glances with the bellboy behind Randolph. "If you don't have identification, I don't know if I can help you, sir. I wasn't trained for this. I'll have to call the manager, are you alright with waiting?"

"I am."

"Very well then. You can rest if you'd like, sir."

Nodding, Randolph headed away from the desk, seating himself in one of the scattered chairs. This wasn't the first time he had felt the inconvenience of not having an ID, but this was the first time it had hit him so hard. This was a major problem that he had to clear as soon as possible, as it would bring no end of troubles to him.

But it didn't matter in the end. If it wasn't this hotel, then there was always the next. He was prepared to sacrifice any amount of money if it allowed him room to breathe.