CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE - DEAD ENDS AND DESPERATION

Frustrated but understanding, Mara thanked her and turned away. As they walked through the lobby, Natalie spotted a bellhop lounging near the elevators. "Hey," Natalie whispered, "maybe he knows something. Should we try bribing him?" Mara hesitated for a moment, then nodded. They approached the bellhop, a young man with a bored expression. "Excuse me," Mara said, slipping a fifty-dollar bill into his hand. "We're looking for our friend. She might have come in last night. Young woman, dark hair, red dress. Ring any bells?" The bellhop pocketed the money and thought for a moment. "Sorry, lady. I saw a lot of people last night, but nobody that stands out like that. Maybe try the casino?" Disappointed, Mara and Natalie made their way to the casino floor. They spent the next hour combing through the rows of slot machines and gaming tables, showing Clarissa's picture to dealers and pit bosses. But no one remembered seeing her. Exhausted and disheartened, they decided to take a break at