Chapter 4 - 3820
3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 1 - Aaron McKinsley
At 9 p.m., the same day when Building 3820 was ceremonially opened for business, Aaron McKinsley turned his service van, a small box truck, off Highway 73 and into the parking lot of the Dobbs City 5-Star Hotel. Earlier in the day, while in Brookston County, he had called the hotel and made a reservation. This particular hotel was his only choice. He had scanned the internet for other options, but the only rooms available were in historical homes, houses that had been repurposed and advertised as "bed and breakfast." Aaron didn't think he'd feel comfortable with such lodgings. Plus, they were expensive, and his company probably wouldn't be pleased with the prices.
Aaron was an HVAC specialist based in Brookston County. His employer was Leeds Services. The job he was about to perform would go quickly, he hoped, and then he would be able to go home for at least a couple of days. He hadn't had a day off, much less two days, for quite some time.
Aaron was very close to his destination, but he wouldn't arrive until the following day. Company policy dictated that he stop for the night. Additionally, his destination - a local college building identified only as "3820" in his notes - was closed and wouldn't be accessible until the following day.
The young man walked into the hotel's well-lit lobby and propped up at the desk. The hotel's concierge, another young man, was visible a short distance away in an office. He had been sweeping, but he headed in Aaron's direction when he heard the chime of the door.
"Good evening, sir," said Tom, the concierge. He removed a pencil from behind his ear. "How can I help you?"
"I'm Aaron McKinsley. I made a reservation earlier today, paid for it online."
"Okay, Mr. McKinsley," said the employee. "Let me find you real quick." He typed on a keyboard and looked at a monitor to his left.
At this time, another guest entered the lobby. She was a short and very good-looking strawberry blonde. Aaron nodded a greeting, and she smiled, simply saying, "Good evening."
"Yes, sir," said the concierge to Aaron. "Your reservation is confirmed and all set. You're in room 114, located on the bottom floor. Just take a left when you exit the lobby doors, and your room is the fifth door down on the left. We offer a deluxe continental breakfast for all of our guests. We have scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and biscuits. And juice, coffee, and milk. Breakfast starts at 5:30 a.m."
See Part 2 here.
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