153 The Last Soak

Dale graciously walks with her back to her suite, and even offers to listen to what she has to say. But after all is said and done, Claire realizes what she needs is time alone. Time for herself.

"Are you sure, Miss Claire?" Dale stands uncertainly by the threshold, waiting on her.

And yet, she knows there's nothing that anyone else in the world can do. She can talk to everybody. She can vent out all her feelings. But in the end, there's only one solution to her woes, and it's something she doesn't feel like facing now.

"Thank you, Dale," she says. "Really. You've been nothing but an angel."

Dale smiles. "Anything for you. Shall I call up Sir Gabriel?"

Gabriel is currently being subjected to the Spanish Inquisition, Claire wryly thinks. "Gabriel is busy. He will be here when he can."

"Alright," Dale says. He leaves, but not after reassuring her that he will be there at the Concierge Desk, at her beck and call, regardless of the hour.