Or very early. The night auditor at the Amity Inn, a young man whose name tag read Henry, wasn’t used to six a.m. arrivals. Henry could have played a vampire without any makeup. His skin was preternaturally pale, and the ingrained dark circles were dark enough to be mistaken for shiners. “I’m really not sure whether I should charge you for last night’s lodging,” Henry said, “or just start with tonight’s.” “I’m sure you’ll decide on whatever’s fair,” said Elizabeth, “but right now I’d just like to get my family into its suite.” “I guess I’ll ask the manager when he comes in. It’s possible we’ll only charge you a half-day rate for last night.” “Fine.” She knew the clerk was just trying to be nice, but her body language said, Give me a key. “You’re planning on staying a week?” asked Henry. Give or take seven days, she thought. “That’s right.” “I’ll just need...” Elizabeth extended a credit card to him. She knew the routine. “Thank you, Mrs.
