Page 4 of Sir Avery's Wish
“Well, sir, it’s not a problem with his work. The young man is quite diligent, actually. Never complains, quick andmeticulous with his duties, keeps to himself.” She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “But this morning, when I went down to check on the overnight laundry loads, I found evidence that someone has been living in the storage room adjacent to the main laundry area.”
Avery arched his eyebrows. "Living there? Are you sure?”
“Yes, Mr. Lakewood. When I moved one of the laundry carts out of my way, I discovered a sleeping bag, some personal belongings, and toiletries. I’m quite certain those items are Mr. Newman’s property. I've noticed he’s there first thing in the morning, often before his scheduled shift, and stays well past his time to leave. Initially, I assumed he was simply a dedicated employee.”
“Hmm, yes.”
Avery frowned, processing the unexpected information. The hotel’s lower levels weren't exactly comfortable living quarters—concrete floors, industrial lighting, the constant hum of machinery. What would drive someone to sleep there instead of going home? Was Eli homeless? That didn’t seem possible, since he was a recent hire and would’ve needed to give an address on his application.
“Have you spoken with him about this?”
“No, sir. I thought it best to bring it to your attention first.” Mrs. Chen’s fingers continued their nervous dance. “There are liability issues to consider, and of course, it's against policy for employees to use hotel facilities as lodging.”
Avery nodded slowly. He’d dealt with similar situations before—employees facing eviction, domestic troubles, and financial hardship. Usually, a discreet conversation and perhaps a small advance on wages resolved the matter.
“Yes, of course.” Avery checked his watch again. He still had time. “Does he have a shift right now?”
A momentary flash of relief crossed her features before her expression turned impassive again. “Yes, he’s in with the washing machines. I appreciate you speaking with him. He’s an excellent staff member, so I hope it all works out.”
Avery rose from his chair. “I do, too. The final decision of whether he keeps his job is yours, of course. But I want to make sure he isn’t at risk in some way.”
A small smile graced her lips. “You’re a kind man, sir. That’s why I wanted to bring this situation to your attention.”
“You’re welcome to come to me any time, Mrs. Chen. Please don’t feel as though your concerns aren’t important to me.” Avery gestured for her to go ahead of him.
He informed Darla that he probably wouldn’t be coming back to the office before his meeting, then made his way with Mrs. Chen to the service elevator, greeting the staff members as they went along. As they descended in the elevator, the temperature dropped noticeably. When they slid to a stop, the doors opened, and he was greeted with a sight that was a stark contrast to the luxury above.
The large basement area was comprised of concrete floors, exposed pipes, and the constant mechanical hum of washers and dryers. The pungent scent of detergent and fabric softener permeated the air. Avery navigated through the first section, where several staff members were folding sheets. They straightened when they noticed him, offering respectful nods.
Mrs. Chen led him through a narrow passageway past industrial shelving stacked with linens to a door at the far end of the room. She knocked once, then pushed it open.
“Eli? Mr. Lockwood would like a word with you.”
The laundry room was even hotter than the main area, the air thick with humidity. Amid the mechanical churning of several massive washing machines stood a young man with curly, shoulder-length auburn hair pulled back in a looseponytail. When he turned, his eyes widened with alarm, a dusting of freckles standing out against his pale skin.
“Sir?” Eli’s voice cracked on the single syllable.
“Thank you, Mrs. Chen. I'll take it from here.” Avery smiled, his gaze fixed on the young man who appeared ready to bolt.
Mrs. Chen left, leaving him alone with Eli, whose expression reminded him of a startled deer. Avery studied his face—the way his hazel eyes darted toward the exit, the tension in his narrow shoulders, the slight tremor in his hands as he gripped a damp towel.
“Relax,” Avery had to raise his voice above the whirr of the machines but strove to keep his tone non-threatening. “You’re not in trouble.”
Eli’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “I—I don’t understand, sir. Did I make a mistake with the laundry?”
The heat in the room was getting to Avery, sweat on his skin forming and making his tailored shirt stick to his back. He loosened his tie slightly, noting how Eli tracked the movement with nervous attention.
“Your work is exemplary, according to Mrs. Chen.” Avery stepped closer, careful not to crowd the younger man. “However, I’d like to discuss another matter with you.”
The more Avery was around Eli, the more he found his appearance concerning. The dark circles under his eyes, the way his work uniform hung loosely on his slight frame, and his ashen skin.
Eli’s fingers tightened around the towel. “What matter, sir?”
“Mrs. Chen found your things.” Avery kept his tone neutral, as Eli’s expression crumbled. "She believes you’ve been living in the storage room. Is that true?”
Eli’s eyes went wide, and his shoulders slumped. His gaze dropped to the floor. “I can explain.”
His voice shook, and Avery’s chest tightened, sadness washing over him. Eli clearly wanted to do a good job, meant well, and seemed like a nice young man. Yet, here he was, sleeping on a cold, hard floor surrounded by dirty linens.
