Chapter 2 - The Girl Beneath the Loading AwningMaya had slept near the hotel for three nights.
Her mother was receiving emergency treatment at a city shelter clinic, and Maya had run away after hearing that child services might place her in temporary care. She moved between subway stations and building entrances, avoiding adults who asked questions.
Behind the hotel, she found unopened bread beside a catering bin.
While reaching for it, she heard Vanessa speaking to a uniformed employee beneath the loading awning. The employee refused to carry a particular dessert upstairs.
Vanessa offered money.
When that failed, she reminded him that his immigration paperwork was still being processed through the hotel’s parent company.
Maya did not understand the entire conversation. She understood the fear in the employee’s face and the name Vanessa repeated: Alexander Hayes.
She followed the service elevator upstairs.
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The guard assumed she wanted money or food from a wealthy guest. Maya tried to explain, but the anniversary dinner had strict privacy instructions.
By the time she reached the table, the desserts were already being served.
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