"Well, dis here is da end of da road," D. Vito said, as they pulled up at the front entrance.

Mina marveled at the five revolving doors composed of solid gold. Bell boys wearing red uniforms with yellow stripes traveled through them, baggage and hand. It made her apartment building look shabby with its singular entrance.

"This place sure is ritzy!" she exclaimed, the gold shining in her eyes.

"Well, you'll be put on by da Ritz if you're not careful," D. Vito warned. "Like barrel boy here!"

Monty Banks shivered in his barrel. "But anyways bub," D. Vito said. "Have a merry holidays and let me know if dis party is servin' meat. I haven't gotten a proper sub since I was at the Bronx. Tanks to da Cali vegan lifestyle ova here."

"I'll smuggle some subs out!" Mina smiled. "I can hide it in Monty's barrel."

"On a second thought," D. Vito muttered. "I'll pass. Don't want dat kinda meat."

The two laughed as Monty continued to nibble his finger nails compulsively. Soon, the merriment was over and the two found themselves outside the cab. Mina stretched her legs as she had been sitting for a while. "Well, kid," Monty mumbled. "You lead the way. This is giving me flashbacks worse than Vietnam."

"Did you really fight in the war?" Mina exclaimed.

"Nah," Monty said, shaking his head. "The last time I got Vietnamese cuisine over there, I had terrible food poisoning and my escort stole my Ferrari the next morning!"

"Remind me never to be sleazy," Mina said rolling her eyes and the two passed through the revolving doors together.

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

When Mina entered, she found herself in another world. The lobby's ceilings rose higher than a cathedral in Rome and matched them in artful quality, if a thousand times more bizarre. They were all painted with the naked bodies of a singular man, a strange man in dark glasses, a hooked nose and a powdered wig. Fortunately, his pelvis was covered with a small sea shell.

A diamond chandelier hung below the ceiling, glittering with what seemed to be authentic crystals. It only took Mina a second to realize the patrons of the lobby were even more eye catching. Everyone sported exquisite ball gowns and spiffy tuxedos, both an entire spectrum of colors. The strange aspect was what they wore on their face. Everyone had masks too. Shiny, pale masquerade masks fit for a Broadway presentation of the modern classic Phantom of the Performing Arts Center.

"Why do they all wear such spooky masks?" Mina said, pursing her lips with great curiosity.

"They're celebrities, little girl," Monty Banks answered. "In this scandalous hotel, the paparazzi could be hiding anywhere ready to catch them gambling, drunk or in an illicit affair!"

Mina gazed at Monty Banks with knowing realization. The former mayor's head sank lower. "I sadly know from experience," he whimpered.

"Ah," a man's voice exclaimed from behind them, his voice rather upper class sounding. "There you are, Miss Hawkins. Looking right as rain."

Mina turned around. Her eyes were greeted by the man from the ceiling illustrations, but fortunately, he was wearing more than a powdered wig, glasses and a sea shell. The man wore a chartreuse blazer, an extended pipe and maroon trousers to complete his ensemble.

He reached out and shook her hand. "'Oi, nice meet you, luv. I am Baron Von Fletcher, proud proprietor of Hotel Security and 57th richest man in the world."

Mina was unsure what to think of this man, other than his breath smelled like fish and chips. The man twitched and let out a loud laugh. "Hee-haw-haw!" he chuckled sounding like a braying donkey with a sore throat.

Mina took a step back, causing the man to clear his throat.

"Ahem," he said, acting like nothing had happened. "I am pleased as punch to welcome you to my not-humble-at-all abode as we've been expecting you!"

"You have?!"

"Yes, you are the guest of honor tonight for Mr. Ivor Ebony. For he has told me personally, without you, his campaign would not have been successful!"

Mina's jaw nearly hit the ground. "What the huh?"

Who was this man and how did she help elect him?