Cadogan Hotel

[The Commissioner]

CADOGAN HOTEL

This hotel is much easier on the wallet than the Casino. You'll get some great, modest service, bed and board, and even a little bit of a French crepe bar. It's a really modest hotel, so don't expect the flashy glossiness of the Casino.

[Deleted]

He had tried to tame his hair before he left the flat this evening, and it only somewhat worked. It seemed years of running it through his fingers had left his hair in a perpetual state of semi-disshelved, and no amount of combing would make the stubborn locks lay flat. He had reluctantly put his contacts in, blinking a few times to get used to the alien feeling in his eyes. Looking himself over in the mirror, he frowned and hoped that his eyes wouldn't be so bloodshot by the time he got to his destination.

Before he left he stopped by the little nest of blankets in the corner of the living room, a small, skinny white dog with matted fur sleeping contently in the warmth. She was the most recent stray Berwald had picked up, and he had every intention of taking her to the animal shelter first chance he got. Eventually, anyway, since the little pup seemed to be rather adamant staying right where she was.

Be good, 'kay?” Berwald requested as he scratched behind her ears. He didn't really need to tell her, since she was too little and still too weak to get into any real trouble. She stirred awake just long enough to lick at the Swede's hand before nesting back in her little bed. With a fond little smile he retrieved his keys and left the flat.

As he approached the Codogan Hotel, Berwald felt more and more like he was sorely out of place. The feeling wouldn't have changed even if he didn't have a gun at his hip. He had seen other masquerade goers walk by him, dressed in attire that would would earn even the Queen’s approval, laughing and merrymaking even before they got to the party. Seeing so many lovely people in their lovely clothing made the Swede feel pitifully plain in comparison, but wasn’t that a good thing? Didn’t he want to avoid being swept up into such things? Just stand off to the side and do your job. That’s what he kept telling himself. Don’t talk to anyone unless they talk first, do not accept any wine unless it is offered. Be official and make the rest of the police force look good. In short: don’t muck this up.

He flashed his invitation to the bouncer outside the party room, although it only took a quick glance at the police badge around Berwald’s neck for him to be allowed inside. The second he stepped through the threshold, he swore that he was nearly barreled over by the amount of energy that flowed out of the room. The atmosphere warm and welcoming, with the sound of a small band and the buzz of miscellaneous conversation dominating the room. He would have been swept up in the atmosphere, lost in the almost intoxicating luxury, if he hadn't been so nervous. Of course the only sign of his apprehension was the slight change in posture and his hands smoothing over his hair. He took a breath through his nose and took point near the entrance, dismissing the previous security guard from his shift. The other guard looked relieved to finally be free to do whatever he wished, and he went straight to the refreshment table to help himself to some of the wine. Now there was nothing to do but wait and hope that nothing went awry to ruin the evening.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GS AND BTN