Read 1/2 here.
In the last post, we deciphered a message, encrypted in a secret code which told of a vent containing a note, left by one of the Cruzes.
But to whom is this note for?
As i exit room 509 i overhear Linda and Bernard in room 508.
Bernard had written a note to Linda, inviting Linda to his house while his wife was away. Linda claims that Wendy posted it on Linda's door and, along with it, that Wendy wrote "hypocrite bitch" in big, bold letters, using her red lipstick.
This does not sound like the Wendy i know, but i wouldn't put it past her. Linda's been purposefully driving Wendy to snap, for some time now.
Maybe i should have removed the letter from the door, and cleaned the lipstick message - Bernard now plans to fire Wendy - poor Wendy; i'm sorry.
As i thought about getting rid of evidence, i decided to clear some evidence of my own; the pictures that Mr. Morgan has hanging in his bathtub of me snooping around the guests' room.
Mr. Morgan might have more film rolls with my pictures, but then again, maybe the pictures hanging in the tub are the only copies.
With the pictures removed, i decide to clean Mr. Morgan's room - it's my job after all. I'm not sure Mr. Morgan would accuse me of removing my pictures, but then again, without any pictures it's my word against his.
As i'm finishing cleaning Mr. Spade's room, i find what seems to be a romantic novel, hidden under a pillow. On the cover are two women, in their nightgown, in an intimate pose.
![Book Synopsis]
AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES
She was alone in a town she barely knew, hundreds of miles away from home. She was desperate for comfort...and found it in the arms of the most unexpected person.
What first started as a normal friendship between two women soon blossomed into something much more passionate and disturbing.
This is a tale of love and desire like you have never read before!
Out of her own experience, the author, working under a pseudonym, tears the curtain from one of the gravest threats to modern social morality - the strange love practices trapping unwary girls today, particularly in our larger cities!
"And They Were Roommates", by Brigitte Boswell. I've never heard of the author, but this is not the kind of thing i like to read anyway.
With one less room to clean on my list, i look through the vents, looking for one that has something hidden inside.
While looking for a screwdriver in the janitor's closet, i find out that the janitor, Eugene, has a daughter admitted to a mental hospital.
Near the picture of Eugene and his daughter, there's a letter, in which a friend of Eugene's tells him about how the city plans to build a new mental hospital right next to the Clarington hotel, expressing her excitement on Eugene's behalf, about how wonderful it would be for Eugene to have his daughter so close by.
![LETTER TO EUGENE]
Dear Eugene,
A friend of mine has heard from her hairdresser, who's heard from her sister-in-law who works as a secretary to the Mayor, that the city plans on building a new mental hospital right next to the Clarington.
Imagine! Denise could get the care she needs while staying close to home. It's almost too good to be true! I don't dare get my hopes up, but still... I'll keep my ear to the ground and keep you posted as soon as I have more news.
Warm wishes,
Joyce
Also near the picture of Eugene and his daughter there's a newspaper clipping of an article about how some of the most influential business owners in the area are trying to keep the new mental hospital from being built.
Eugene has circled the name of the leader of the group of shop owners, William Weston.
Next to the article, there's a reply letter from Bernard to Eugene. It looks like Eugene asked Bernard to stop opposing the construction of the new psychiatric hospital...and Bernard rejected Eugene's requests.
![REPLY LETTER FROM BERNARD]
Dear Eugene
I was unaware of your daughter's condition. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you and your wife, but do not worry - you only have to look at my brother to see how rotten apples grow even in the best of families.
As for your request, i am afraid i am unable to grant it. Mr. Weston is both a good friend of mine and a benefactor of the Clarington, so it would be inappropriate to opposed him. Also, considering his great influence in this city, i have no doubt he will manage to prevent the hospital's construction no matter what.
Thank you for your understanding.
Bernard Leduc
Wow. Calling Eugene's daughter a "rotten apple". Just wow.
Near the garbage can i find a torn note sent to Eugene, from Linda. She tells Eugene that Bernard is complaining about a cold draft coming from his window and into his office. Linda goes on to tell Eugene that fixing the window should be Eugene's highest priority of the day.
![Letter From Linda]
Eugene,
Bernard tells me there is a cold draft coming from his window and it's turning his office into a freezer. Fixing this should be your highest priority today.
Linda
Yeah, like Eugene's gonna take care of the window after that letter from Bernard...!
By the torn up note, i can imagine Eugene's not exactly happy about Bernard right now, but at least i know where Eugene is, so i can ask him for a screwdriver.
As i'm about to go take the elevator down to Bernard's office to find Eugene, i bump into Bernard.
Thank goodness he and i went in separate directions when we got to the ground floor.
Inside Bernard's office, there no sign of Eugene but there are signs of him having been here. After the exchange of letters regarding the construction of the new mental hospital, i don't blame him cranking that window open, letting the snow blast into the office.
I need to find the screwdriver to open the vent on the 5th floor, but...how often do i get to snoop around Bernard's office like this? I have to be careful, though. Especially with Beth on the other side of the door - I don't want to jeopardize her, either.
Bernard seems to takes pride in his job and his family legacy, as seen in this framed news article about the hotel, but what a douchebag he is.
I kinda wish i had worked here when Raymond was in charge. Sounds like the hotel was very different back then.
In a file cabinet, I find a note which tells the whole story of how Bernard became manager of the hotel, taking his brother Raymond's position, through blackmail.
Bernard was able to pull some strings to avoid his brother from going to jail. That, and assuring Raymond that his "deviant ways" would not be leaked, it was enough to guarantee that Raymond stepped down from the managerial role, allowing Bernard to manage the hotel.
Raymond, however, continuously tries to offer Bernard help about how to run the hotel; Bernard, on the other hand continuously tells him he doesn't need the input of a "deviant" and to "stay out of my way".
![Letter To Raymond]
Dear brother,
I thank you for your "invaluable" input, but need I remind you of our agreement? I did my part. I got you out of jail and have ensured that news of your deviate ways would not leak. Now, I expect you to keep your side of the bargain and stay out of my way. You are not in charge of the hotel anymore.
I have worked relentlessly these past few years to return the Clarington to its former glory - a great challenge considering the poor state you left it in. I'm glad father never got to see how you so shamelessly destroyed his great legacy. As for me, i will be dead too before i listen to a single word of advice from you.
You ask i lower our prices, but I can tell you i plan on doing just the opposite. My guests will only be la crème de la crème. Your deviate friends can find another place for their sinful debaucheries.
Enjoy your "retirement".
I had no idea how hostile the change had been, nor how sour their relationship is.
On the floor, in a puddle of water that gathered from the snow coming in through the window, with a letter and the screwdriver.
The letter reads how Bernard is happy to assist Mr. Weston in the "fight" against the construction of the new mental hospital. At the bottom, a handwritten note from Eugene to Bernard: "ENJOY THE COLD YOU COLD HEARTED PRICK"
![Draft Letter To Mr Weston]
Dear Mr. Weston,
I would like to thank you again for agreeing to this partnership between the Clarington Hotel and Weston's Department Store. Thanks to your generous help, renovations are well under way and the hotel has never looked better. You should come visit soon
(when your busy schedule allows it, of course).On another note, it has come to my attention that you have formed a group of local businessmen to oppose the construction of the new mental hospital. After working so hard to elevate the Clarington's standards, I cannot allow a band of cuckoos to move in my backyard.
Should you accept, it would be an honour and a privilege to join your fight.
Cordially; Yours sincerely,Bernard Leduc
(HANDWRITTEN BY EUGENE)
ENJOY THE COLD you COLD HEARTED PRICK
Eugene's was in Bernard's office, alright. But i get the feeling he won't be needing the screwdriver anytime soon.
The game forces us to mop the floor in order to be able to pick up the letter and the screwdriver. Otherwise i would have not mopped the floor, because, fuck Bernard. The window i closed out of a pavlovian response: cold equals closing a window!
In a desk drawer, i find a bra, most likely Linda's...eww!
Having now secured a screwdriver, i can go up to the 5th floor and open that vent, but as i leave Bernard's office i hear the big boss man himself on the other side of the door, speaking with Beth.
I'm glad my job keeps me from interacting with Bernard too often - I don't know how many more times i can handle hearing him call me "Miss Belivet"!
This could have gone much worse but, with a little bending of the truth i can head up to the 5th floor and open that vent.
Exiting the elevator and making my way towards the vent, i walk by room 508. This is the room were Bernard and Linda were...eww!
As much as i want to see what's in that vent, I'm still a maid and i need to clean the room. But more importantly, as an added bonus, i might find something that Bernard or Linda left behind; something i can use to undermine Linda.
While cleaning the room i see Wendy's lipstick and the letter that was posted on Linda's door. Earlier i had heard Linda showing these to Bernard. I am a simple maid - i see garbage and i throw it out...Not that it'll do any difference now, but it just feels right.
With the room cleaned, i make my way over to the vent.
What is it that one of the Cruzes hid in there? And to whom is it meant to be?
Whichever Cruz is having an affair, they've been secretly contacting with the guest in room 507; Mrs. Beaumont. I'll head over to room 507 to see what i can find. I'm starting to feel none of this has anything to do with me, but i'm way too caught up in this mystery!
The first thing i come across in room 507 is a sheet of paper with several, albeit failed attempts at what appears to be the start of a romance novel. And these are written by Mrs. Beaumont.
![Romance Novel Attempts Sheet]
The winds in the leaves that day made a sound that sounded likeA sound that sounded like? Really Anne?
The winds in the leaves that day made the tree whistle a soft melody that came to my ear. I remember every part of this day for it was the day we met.Jesus, this is bad.
I was looking for my cat when i heard the sound of the leaves blowing in the wind - like a melody to my ear. On this summer day where i met you.
Anne? That must be Mrs. Beaumont's first name.
In a suitcase on Mrs. Beaumont's bed, there is an ornate, beautiful, wooden chest. Such intricate chest must holding something important.
As i sweep and snoop around 507 i find a letter from Mrs. Beaumont's attorney, telling her that while he's happy to help her with her case, wife abuse is not grounds for divorce and advises her not to antagonize her husband at the moment.
![Attorney Letter]
Dear Anne,
I have met with Louis and he has asked me to give you the enclosed letter. I think I should reiterate that some of your accusations, such as wife abuse, are not grounds for divorce in Quebec. I understand you are hurt, but I do not think antagonizing your husband is very wise at the moment.
Do not forget to be in court at 11 AM on the 20th. Be on time. Also, a friendly reminder that my fees for January need to be paid before the end of this month. I am happy to help you out, but I cannot work pro bono on this.
Sincerely,
Howard
So a husband can abuse his wife and...just get away with it? And people like Linda still think divorce is wrong? Ugh...
I'll make sure from now on that Linda's pamphlets, found throughout the hotel, will be placed in the correct place as they should be; in the garbage can!
In the bathroom, i find the letter from her husband that her attorney mentioned. He's outraged for being accused of abuse and lets her know that he's no fool either. That he knows where SHE used to spend her nights.
He goes on, saying that the worst of it all is that she ran away with his son, and that she won't tell him were he is nor let them meet.
His last words tell her that he guarantees that she won't get away with this.
![Letter From Louis]
I just met with your damn lawyer. You've got some balls to accuse me of all that! As if you were so irreproachable yourself! Do you think I don't know where YOU spend your nights?
But worst of all is that you won't let me see my son, you won't even tell me where he is! If you think you have a chance to get custody, you really don't know me well. I won't let you take Michael away from me.
So it seems Anne had fled with her child - Michael, and has ever since been trying to divorce her husband.
Whatever did or did not happen, it's obvious that Anne doesn't want anything to do with her husband, as hinted in this photo, where Anne has burnt her husband's face out of the picture.
Leaving this mess between her and her husband behind me, i start findings things that hint at a different side of Anne's life.
There's a romance novel in a drawer, called Adam or Eve.
![Book Synopsis]
ADAM or EVE
A HEARTBREAKING DECISION
Should Rose stay in a marriage that no longer makes her happy, or seek refuge in the arms of the woman who truly understands her?
She has tasted the forbidden fruit long ago, and now she is all she can think of.
But what will her family - and society as a whole — think of her if she turns to a life of sin?
Should she be condemned for even entertaining the thought of leaving her husband, or pitied for having to make such a heartbreaking decision?
Brigitte Boswell is the prolific author behind novels such as AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES and THE LONELY GIRL.
ADAM OR EVE is her seventh novel.
I recognize the author of the book, Brigitte Boswell - i've seen another romance novel from her...in Mr. Morgan's room.
What are the odds that both Anne and Mr. Morgan enjoy the same author..?
I snoop some more and find a letter, dated 10 years ago, sent to Anne, during college break, from someone she knew in college. There's a coffee stain over the sender's name and i can't make out the name.
The letter tells anne how her friend's college break have been and that she can't wait to get back to college to be with her friend and jokes that she misses having black cat hair all over her clothes.
![Letter To Anne From Friend in College]
December 26, 1945
Dear Anne,
You were right! I miss the snow already..It's so hot right now in Texas, it's quite a shock after the cool weather Of Montreal. My family has never seen snow before, and I could not find the words to tell them how beautiful it is. They don't understand what they are missing. I wish I could build my brothers a snowman like the one we built together a few weeks ago. I know it's childish, but I had not had that much fun in years.
Christmas was exhausting. Nine days of eating, singing, dancing... It's great fun, but I am glad it's over so I can rest a little. Of course, celebrations will resume for New Year, but it gives me a few days to relax.
How are things going with your family? I know you don't get along well, but I hope you are still able to have a good time.
I will leave for Montreal on the 8th. I cannot wait to be back. I miss finding black cat hairs all over my clothes, I miss our late night studying sessions at Harry's, I even miss Sister Miller's classes, if you can believe it!
I will see you soon.
Warm wishes,
I also find a postcard, simply signed "M", addressed to Anne - it appears that someone's coming to stay at the hotel, and meet with Anne but wants discretion and privacy when speaking with Anne.
![Postcard from M to Anne]
I hope you are well in spite of the circumstances.
We've been on the train for two days now. It's a long ride, made even longer by the fact that i cannot wait to see you again.
We are scheduled to arrive in Montreal on the eve of Valentine's Day. I booked room 509 - it's a marital suit.
When we arrive, please refrain from talking to me until we can figure out a safe way to see each other.
Say hello to Michael for me.
M.
Mrs. Beaumont
Clarington Hotel,
1178 Drummond Street,
Montreal
After some more sweeping and snooping, i find one of the keys for the chest, but cannot find a second key. Surely Anne wouldn't have brought the chest with her, without bringing both keys, right? And it should be an easy key to spot; it's not designed like your everyday key, after all.
And yet...it looks familiar. I've seen this key before...in a picture somewhere.
Yeah, Eugene's probably on his way to Mr. Weston's store to "open some windows".
I have no idea why Beth thinks we can open Anne's chest with candles and plaster but i was promised an explanation so i'll just have to put my trust in her.
Down in the basement, i find that the breakroom is now open, so i decide to pick up my keys, which i had forgotten earlier, and put Linda's master key back. While down there, i hear a conversation between Wendy and Jacques, her ex-to-be-fianceé.
It seems as Linda's plan to undermine Wendy has worked. After Jacques broke it off with Wendy, he sounds like he didn't even trust her anymore. Even if he's having a change of heart, Wendy walks out on him.
In the breakroom, i noticed a fashion collage, which i hadn't seen before.
This was probably made by Beth. I've seen her cut out fashion magazines before. It's really cool how she has an eye for this kind of thing.
I searched Rebecca's locker for the candles but there were no candles...Perhaps she keeps them in the laundry room, where she works. Rebecca's always super-prepared - and terrified of the dark.
Voilá! Some candles, stashed away in the laundry room. I don't think Rebecca will mind if i take just one, right?
Now, with the plaster and a candle i check if Beth has been able to leave her post.
With a makeshift, plaster key, i now have a second key to Anne's chest, so i'll head to room 507 to test our handywork. I couldn't have done it without Beth.
It worked! Now, to see what hidden secrets this chest contains..
In the first letter i pick up, i learn that Anne bought someone a new typewriter case. The letter reads: "In Atlanta, i noticed yours was pretty worn down, so i decided to buy you a new one. I hope you like it."
The rest of the letter has a puzzle which says that the combination for the case has 4 letters; Marcela's typewriter case has a combination of 4 letters. "M" has to be Marcela. Marcela and Anne are the ones sending cryptic messages between each other! I'm sure of it!
Let's see what else is in Anne's chest...
A get well note from Marcela to Anne.
![Soup Note]
I hope you get better. Try to rest today. I will bring you hot soup after class.
M.
Their first theatre date, Marcela being the one inviting Anne.
![Movie Date]
"The Postman Always Rings Twice" is playing at Theatre tonight. It's based on a novel I read while back. I am sure you would love it, seeing as you like crime stories and murders so much (nothing creepy about that').
Will you come with me?
M.
(ON MOVIE TICKETS)
LOEWS THEATRE
MONTREAL, Canada
25C ADMIT ONE 250
A note from Marcela, passed to Anne, during a lecture, where Marcela says she can't stop thinking about Anne.
![Lecture Note]
I can barely listen to Sister Miller's today.
(IN SECRET LANGUAGE)
All I do is look at your lips and imagine kissing you.I can't wait for tonight.
M.
A letter From Marcela to Anne, during college break, expressing how much Marcela is very much in love with Anne and misses her every second.
Marcela also writes how her family's been noticing her odd behaviour and that she wishes she could tell them about Anne, but of course, she cannot.
![Love Letter]
August 11, 1946
Dear Anne,
I have just heard Doris Day on the radio, and it made me think of you. I know how much you love "Sentimental Journey."
Countin' every mile of railroad track
That takes me backLast time I was in Texas, it felt like coming home. Now, strangely, I feel away from home. I wish you were here with me. I always feel at home in your arms. I can hardly believe it has been five weeks since we last saw each other.
Sometimes I wonder if I might be going crazy. You are always in my head. Everything reminds me of you, not only songs on
the radio but silly things like the flowers in our garden that smell of your shampoo, or when people say the word "darling" and I can hear you say it with your lovely French accent. Darrrligne.My family seems to have noticed my odd behavior, but of course I cannot tell them about you, even though I wish I could. I feel like climbing on the roof of the tallest building in Austin and shouting my feelings for you at the top of my lungs. God, I sound like a giddy teenager in love for the very first time. Maybe I am.
Sometimes I am scared that all this time with you was nothing but a dream, a dream too good to be true. I am afraid that when I return to Montreal I will realize you never existed, or if you do exist, you don't remember me. I wish I had a picture of the two of us, so I would know for sure it was real.
I long for your embrace and the taste of your sweet lips.
I love you,
M.
A picture of the two, in college.
And a final letter. One written to Anne, after both finished college.
Marcela tells Anne that as much as she loves her and will never forget her, their love is forbidden and they were lucky that it lasted as much as it did.
She ends the letter saying that the pressure from her family is too much for her to handle, that she thinks they should go their separate ways and that she's following her family's wishes of getting married.
![Last Letter]
December 29, 1947
Dear Anne,
I am sorry it took me so long to answer your last letter. Has it been six months already since I left Montreal? As you always say: "Le temps passe si vite."
My parents are glad I am done with my studies. They always thought it was a strange idea for me to go to University. Now they want me to find a husband and have children like any other woman. I think I will.
These past few months, I had a lot of time to reflect on our relationship. You know my feelings for you, and I hope you never forget how much I love you. But we cannot hide our heads in the sand any longer. We were lucky our story lasted as long as it did, and foolish to think it would last forever.
Our love is forbidden, and hiding it from my family is proving more and more difficult every day. You will always have a special place in my heart, but I believe it is time for us to go our separate ways.
You made me feel like a teenager, you made everything but the present disappear. Now I need to be an adult and think about the future.
Sincerely,
M.
Even though they were in love, Marcela decided to end the relationship - so sad.
I put all the letters and pictures back in Anne's chest and locked it. I removed the keys and placed the original back where i had found it. It's sad how such love was ended abruptly 10 years ago.
But, now they've arranged to meet here, at the Clarington Hotel and have been messaging each other in secret. I'd say that they're, at the very least, curious about rekindling their relationship.
I'd like to know more about this story, from Anne's side and i will most likely find more letters in the case Marcela keeps her typewriter.
I noticed some hints, in Anne's chest, that will allow me to figure out the combination to Marcela's case, so i head over to the Cruzes' room to open the case and see what's in it.
I had hoped to learn Anne's side of this love story, and i think i won't be disappointed - there are a few letters in the case, from Anne to Marcela.
The first letter i pick up is the first letter that Anne and Marcela exchanged, after Marcela had ended the relationship 10 years ago. This letter was sent from Anne and it tells how Anne had recently come upon a romance novel called "And They Were Roommates" and that she'd recognized her's and Marcela's story as the story in the book, realizing that Brigitte Boswell is a pseudonym used by Marcela.
Anne goes on to say that she'd waited for a reply letter from Marcela, after Marcela's relationship-ending letter, but never got one, eventually having to accept that Marcela's love for her was not real. Anne also writes that she feels that this book was proof that Marcela's love for her was real, and asks Marcela it this is a foolish feeling.
! [Full Letter]
February 4, 1956Dear Marcela
Or should say "Brigitte"?
You know I prefer a good old crime story, but last week i came upon a romance novel with an intriguing title: "And They Were Roommates." I bought it on an impulse at a train station and read it from cover to cover during the journey.
Can you imagine my surprise when I recognized our story? You have changed the names and locations, but all of our moments are there...Our endless discussions in the dorm room, our first date at the theatre, our trip to Quebec City... You often said writers are "thieves," but I never fully understood until now.
It's been almost ten years since I received your last letter. The letter that painted our relationship as nothing more than a summer fling. At first, I could not believe you had written those words. Then, I waited in vain for your answer, and had to accept your love for me had never been real.
For many years I as broken-hearted, angry, confused. I questioned the nature of our feelings, of our attraction, and made many wrong decisions. But his book, your book...Am I foolish to think it's proof really loved me?
In any case, I hope you are well, and I am hoppy to see you accomplished your dream of becoming a writer.
Très sincèrement,
A.
In the second letter i read, Anne tells of how happy she is that Marcela wrote back. Anne's also tells Marcela about her abusive husband and that she takes comfort in putting herself and Marcela in the shoes of a couple from a movie they'd watched, in which the characters of the movie plot to kill an abusive husband.
Marcela had asked Anne, in her reply letter, if Anne still had her ornate box. In the letter, Anne tells her that yes, she does, and asks Marcela if she would be willing to meet with her in the U.S.A. - Anne had planned on going to the U.S.A. anyway, so she asks Marcela that maybe they both could open the box, and laugh at the silly things they had wrote back in the days.
![Full Letter]
March 25, 1956Dear Marcela,
I didn't expect you to reply to my letter, but I am happy to see I was wrong. Your words have comforted me in a time of great distress.
If only Louis was half the man you say Hector is. He has quite a temper and hits me frequently. I am willing to put up with it as long as he doesn't hurt Michael, but there are some days when it becomes almost unbearable.
The other day I dreamt of our first date. We were watching The Postman Only Rings Twice again, but suddenly we were in the movie. You were Lana Turner and I was John Garfield, and we were both plotting to kill my husband. I hate to admit it, but I almost hope was premonitory.
To answer your question, I do still have our box. My brother is currently in Atlanta for work, and I was thinking of going to see him with Michael next month. If you are able to meet me there, we could open the box together and laugh at the silly things we thought important all those years ago.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Très sincèrement,
A.
P.S.
Do you remember that secret language we invented so Sister Miller couldn't understand the notes we passed during her class?
(IN SECRET LANGUAGE) I still do.
Murder's a bit too extreme; i hope Anne's just being funny...although she does deserve some kind of justice...
Over a year later Anne receives a signed copy of Marcela's latest novel and sends a reply letter, letting Marcela know here thoughts on how she thinks the novel should have ended. Anne imagines a different ending, where two of the characters end up together; each of them considering their own needs, above the needs of their husbands.
![Full Letter]
August 10, 1957Dear Marcela,
Thank you for sending me a signed version of your latest novel. I think it's your greatest work yet, but I do have a few comments to help make the next one even better...
First, I believe Rose should be more concerned with what she deserves than what her husband deserves. He may not deserve the pain she will cause by leaving him, but they both deserve to be happy, and they won't be as long as they remain together, as long as she doesn't listen to her own needs.
Also, I think it would be great if your next novel ended on a more positive note. Imagine if Rose left her husband and rode into the sunset with Eve. Imagine if they went to New York Or Los Angeles, someplace where people like us are tolerated. Imagine if they got to have their happy ending. It would be the best story ever.
I hope you will consider it.
Très sincèrement,
A.
P.S.
I know you say invisibility protects but don't you just wish to be seen sometimes? Wouldn't you like people to know you are Brigitte Boswell, to recognize you on the street, to recognize you for your work? Why not publish your next novel under your own name?
A few months later, Anne writes to Marcela again, telling her she's left her husband, recounting how she couldn't hide how she felt anymore and asks Marcela how she does it, how she hides, when she has so much more to hide than Anne.
Anne then finishes the letter with a request; that Marcela come and see her in Montreal, telling her that she'd be registered under the name "Beaumont", with fear of her husband tracking her down.
![FULL LETTER]
January 13, 1958Dear Marcela,
I left the house. I left Louis. I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't lie anymore.
How do you do it? How do you manage to live a double life, to hide your work and your novels from your husband? I had so
much less to hide, and yet...Michael and I are staying at the Clarington Hotel until we find a place to stay and the divorce is done. I don't know how long it will take.
Could you come and see me in Montreal? I really need you by my side right now.
Très sincèrement,
A.
P.S.
I wouldn't put it past Louis to scour every hotel guestbook in the region looking for me under his surname, so I've registered under the nome "Beaumont."
So, it appears that Marcela has come to Montreal in the pretence of a wedding anniversary, but all along she meant to meet with Anne!
And after all this, it turns out Anne's a fan of Brigitte? Of Marcela? That's a lot sweeter than i expected!
The next stack of letters i pick up are not from Anne, but...Mr. Morgan?!
Mr. Morgan (Paul Morgan), writes to Marcela as a fan, telling her that her books changed his life and, after spending 10 years in a hospital, recovering from the war, with no medication helping at all, that it was Marcela's novels that helped his panic attacks to subdue.
He goes on to say that Marcela's books inspired him to get in touch with Lindsey - his army buddy - once again. He tells Marcela that he had always felt a certain way for him; the same way Marcela's characters feel for each other, but that he'd never dared to tell Lindsey. He tells Marcela that the idea of opening up to Lindsey is what got him to get better and leave the hospital.
He ends the letter by telling Marcela that he was able to figure out that Brigitte Boswell was a pseudonym and that, after some "hard work" and trickery, he had found out her true identity and asks her if she'd meet with him, so he can thank her in person.
![Full Letter]
September 27, 1957Dear Marcela,
Although you don't know me, I think I can safely say I'm your biggest fan. Your novels have literally changed my Life.
After the war, I spent almost 10 years in a psychiatric hospital because of panic attacks. None of the treatments were working, and I wasn't getting any better. I became friends with one of the nurses, who started lending me books so I could pass the time. I didn't really like the first ones, but then I picked up Brigitte Boswell's first novel. Your novel.
I had never read such a beautiful love story, it almost brought tears to my eyes. I immediately urged the nurse to get me more of your books. Believe it or not, the more I read them, the less panic attacks I had. The doctors thought it was their new medication finally working, but I knew the truth.
Your novels gave me the courage to get in contact with Lindsey, a friend from the war. I had always felt for him the same way your characters feel for each other, but I had never dared telling him. Now I have, thanks to you. The thought of seeing him again is what motivated me to get better and leave the hospital. I hope to hear back from him soon.
After my discharge, I wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me. I've discovered "Brigitte" was a pseudonym, so tracking you down took longer than I thought. Fortunately, I am a very patient and resourceful man, and I never give up.
Do you think we could meet? I have so much more to tell you!
Paul
A couple of months later Paul receives a reply letter from Marcela and he writes back.
He apologizes for unsettling her by which lengths he went to, to find out Brigitte Boswell's true identity, and then goes on about how his life has been a mess since the war. He tells that, with no reply from Lindsey he's been feeling lonely.
Paul ends the letter asking Marcela to send him letters, so Paul can know more about her life.
![FULL LETTER]
November 8, 1957
Dear Marcela,
Thank you for answering my letter. I realize now how unsettling it must have been for you. Please forgive me for tricking your editor into giving me your address. I know I shouldn't have done that.
I wanted to thank you as well for your encouraging words concerning Lindsey. I still haven't heard from him, and I'm starting to fear I might have the wrong address. I wish I could take a train to Virginia, but that's not an option right now as I can barely pay the rent. I guess I will have to find a iob.
As a kid, I dreamt of being an actor, a Hollywood star. I know it's a foolish dream, but what else can I do? What am I good at? I've tried getting some odd jobs already, but employers turn me down as soon as they learn where i've spent the last 10 years of my life. If it continues like this, I'll probably end up on the street like so many of my army buddies.
Why am I even telling you all this? After reading your books and getting to know you through them, I tend to forget I'm only a stranger to you. I hope you don't mind. You seem to be a good "listener," and I've been feeling rather lonely ever since I left the hospital...
Anyway, please tell me more about your life. And do not hesitate to write long letters. I must have read your previous one a thousand times already!
Paul
A month later, Paul sends another letter, in reply to Marcela. He tells her that he's heard news about Lindsey; he died a couple of years ago, and that he now feels like he has nothing left.
But then he tells Marcela that he was surprised at Marcela's proposition, and that he'd love to take her up on her offer.
![FULL LETTER]
December 5, 1957
Dear Marcela,
I've just received a letter from Lindsey's mother. She tells me he's dead. Words cannot even begin to describe how empty I feel. He died two years ago, before I even sent my first letter. He will never know my feelings for him, and I will never know if he could have loved me back. I guess I should have known this would end in pain, just like your novels.
I wish I had Lindsey's ability to find beauty everywhere. Even during the war, amidst the death and chaos, he would marvel at the forests of Germany, at the sun, the birds. He loved birds so much... He could identify them just by listening to their song.
I have to admit your proposition took me by surprise. I was hesitant to leave home at first, I was afraid to miss Lindsey's answer, but now there's nothing keeping me here. I'm desperate for anything that will help me forget the pain...but I don't have enough money to make it to Texas. Do you think you could give me an advance on my salary?
In spite of everything, I'm really excited to know I'll finally meet you.
Paul
What offer could this be?
P.S. - While playing the game it didn't click with me that Marcela "making a proposition to Paul" would mean she hired him, like it was formulated in one of the choices, hence the choice i made to Beth's question of "what paul had to do with the situation?".
But I'm sure if i'd selected "He hired him", Beth would have asked "Hired him? What for?" And Sophie would have said "I'm not sure" or "I don't know". Because, neither did we, the player know, at the time.
All is well when it ends well. Most of the mystery is explained. Anne and Marcela arranged to be here at the Clarington hotel at the same time so they could speak and possible rekindle the relationship they started in college and I don't see any signs of any of this having to do with me.
I real feel for them after spending the day learning their story.
I hope it has a happy ending.
Who did this? Marcela and Anne, plotting against him? Paul, maybe? Did Mr. Cruz decide to take matters into his own hands, regarding Paul's following the Cruzes and confronted Paul? Paul, a man that endured war, 10 years in a mental hospital, leaving with multiple disorders and who then learned that his possible true love is dead, leaving him with no way of knowing how he felt towards Paul?
But why the Life Insurance Policy? Was taking an insurance in a way, a last attempt at gaining Marcela's favor? Knowing he was confronting Paul and knowing how unhinged Paul could get, and knowing the confrontation could go wrong? Was this a final attempt at proving his love for Marcela?
All these are secondary questions; I need to find someone that can help.
With the elevator blocked by a dead body and the stairs locked, i decided to call Beth to ask for help. Not only is there a dead body but the killer, whomever it is, is still up here with me.
With no reply from the lobby, i have no other option but to try to get the lights to the 5th floor back on and use the elevator to get to the lobby.
Inside the fuse box i find a piece of paper with what appears to be paint on it. Some spill due to the renovations perhaps?
With the lights back on i can make my way down to the lobby, and call the police.
The police are now on their way. I think that's the most i can do, right now. It hasn't completely undone the knots in my stomach and the tension in my shoulders, but it's a start.
I don't know what will happen next. If my hunch is correct and Hector was indeed murdered, i suppose the police's main priority will be to determine who did it. I'm probably going to have to answer some questions, aren't i..?
"And I worry about your ability to do your job, Detective!" Boom! Priceless!
P.S. Again, after reviewing the gameplay footage, i would have told Beth that "no, i didn't think Anne and Marcela killed Hector". Oh, well. Mérde!
It's been two days since the hotel closed. The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been made. I got a call this morning from a surprisingly chiper Bernard, calling me to the hotel.
![Final Thoughts]
Well, i don't know if i was supposed to find the killer. But if i was, i bet on either Anne or Paul.
Here's what i think happened:
Anne was waiting for Marcela near the ice cooler and Paul was hiding behind the ice cooler. Marcela told Hector she didn't love him and existed the room to meet Anne. Hector, a short while after followed Marcela, grabbed her and they struggled (we find her broken necklace on the floor).
Now, either Paul, the insane stalker sees his "saviour" (Marcela) being attacked, jumps out from behind the ice cooler with the ice pick in hand and stabs Hector.
OR
Anne could have snapped (being a victim of abuse herself, from her own husband) at the sight of Hector grabbing Marcela and stabs Hector.
Based on the 3 tickets to California that Beth "found" in the letter at the reception desk, i'd say that Anne's solution to their problem was to escape, but Anne also jokes about the idea of murdering the unfaithful husband.
I'm not even sure i could have solved the murder. Perhaps the game leaves us wondering.
One last thing about the ending i got is that it didn't totally agree with me. I wouldn't be so materialistic as to ask if i would get a prize if i were to decide to stay working at the hotel! But i also didn't feel that strong of an opinion about Bernard's strict rules against the "sexual deviants" to not keep my job. I mean, how would he know who the sexual deviants are? I'm sure many of them will still walk through the hotel's doors. What was Bernard going to do? Put a "sexual deviant" detector at the door?
Well, that's that, folks!
If you've made it to the end of this post, well i hope you enjoyed the experience and the game, and please leave a comment (just no spoilers, please).
You should really play this game if you want the full, nuanced story. I did my best to balance the read time of this post and make justice to the game's lore, but there's many things left out that adds to the story.
The beauty of this game is that there's multiple endings (i think!), so you can still go and play it for yourself. Perhaps you'll figure out who killed Hector. Or if Hector even has to die!
Or possibly play a very different story, i don't know!