Yes, but something's off

I returned to my hotel, my mind swimming with questions. How much was my diary worth? What would Charles Manton give me for it? Did I want to sell it to him, or give it to a history museum? The latter idea now seemed quaint, as it appeared that he owned all the museums as well as restaurants and real estate. Evil paid well.

When I got to my hotel room, I discovered that my room key was missing. Strange, as I had put it my purse before I had left, and had double checked it. I went down to the lobby, and had my room re-keyed, for safety.

Feeling a bit uneasy, I asked hotel security to come up to the room with me. The room was unoccupied, but I had the sense that it had been searched. It was hard to put my finger on, but everything seemed a bit out of place, as if someone had been looking under things.

"Is anything missing?" the security guard asked.

"No, I don't think so."

"Do you want to report a theft?"

"No, it's probably just my imagination. My room is re-keyed, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am. It's a totally new key code you're safe here."

Feeling generous, I gave him one of Manton's $100 bills and thanked him for his time.

I returned to the front desk, and asked if my diary was in the hotel safe where I had left it.

"Yes, Ma'am, it is. I'm sorry we couldn't release it to your husband, but he didn't have an ID, and our protocols are very strict. I hope you understand." I most certainly did not understand but I tried to keep my voice neutral.

"What did he look like?" Now it was the young desk clerk's turn to look confused, but he answered my questions nervously. The front desk clerk described a black man a foot shorter and at least 30 years older than my actual ex, who was now living several states away and knew nothing of the diary.

I debated calling the police. I felt sure it was Manton, happily attempting to cash in his $10,000 downpayment. If I called the police, they might arrest the poor flunky he had sent to steal it, but I knew they'd never touch the man responsible.

I took the diary out of the safe and made my way up to my room, figuring it was safer with me. Everyone in the lobby and on my floor suddenly looks suspicious. I double checked the security lock on the door three times before I felt calm enough to settle down on the bed.

I stared at the diary. I couldn't decide if I wanted to read another chapter, or go to sleep.