Page 5 of Locking Down Qetesh

Qetesh noticed me and flashed me a welcoming smile. "So you decided to come after all?"

"I did," I responded. "It's good to know more about the events in the hotel so I can advise the guests when they ask which they should attend."

"Then hopefully I can impress you tonight," she said. "Though tickets to my events aren't cheap."

"Couldn't you get more people if you lowered the price?"

"I could, but this is one of Jinx's premium events."

"What does that even mean?"

"It means that the guests are usually gods, and paranormals who aren't looking for just anyone. Normally the kind who could be recognised, which can get awkward in the outside world. Here, they know that even if someone does recognise them, then it's going to be ignored."

"So people with money, basically."

"That's who the hotel caters to as well," she pointed out.

"True. As did the last three hotels I worked at," I admitted.

"There is also some matchmaking involved," she said. "Kind of. People sign up to join one of my Lock and Key parties, and fill out a questionnaire. It's not as intense as the ones the actual matchmakers use at Jinx, but it gives me an idea about interests, what people are looking for, that kind of thing. That way, I can suggest the party dates that are most suited to the client. Though some people just want to come every week."

"Interesting," I said. "So, anyone I might know here tonight?"

She laughed. "I wouldn't be a very good host if I told you that."

"True, but I'm also here as the hotel manager."

"Fair point. So the two men at the back on the right are Nick and Pieter."

"Should I know them?"

"It depends if you believe in Santa," she joked.

"Oh."

"Yep. Anyway, two tables over is Athena. She's talking to Felix."

"Should I know who that is?" I wished I had a better grasp on mythology.

"Yes, unless you've been living under a rock," she teased. "They're the hottest new artist after they collaborated with Mimi."

"The Chinese Idol?" I checked.

"See, you do know who I mean," she said. "Though you won't see Mimi at an event like this. The last I heard through the grape vine was that she'd met Chiguo on the Jinx Dating App and they're now together. He's a Chinese god. I've never actually met him though, he spends most of his time at the Heavenly Palace. Though I imagine that's got to change if he really is dating an Idol."

"That's a lot of high-profile people."

"Welcome to Jinx," she said. "The only person you really need to watch out for is Zeus. He's not quite as bad as the stories say, but that's the best that can be said about him."

"I'll keep that in mind if I ever run into him."

"Good. Anyway, I'm supposed to be introducing you to the event. So we have six keys and four locks left, you can take your pick." She waved towards an assortment of them, each with a ribbon tied around it that I assumed was to go around the guest's neck.

"I just pick one?" I checked.

"Whichever one feels right." She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear and gave me an encouraging smile.

I reached out with my right hand, trailing my fingers over the various items until I settled on a lock.

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