The Maid
by Nita Prose
Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
Molly returns to work after a restless night, as media coverage suggests foul play in Charles Black’s death. Mr. Snow confirms Giselle is secretly staying on the second floor and seals the Black suite. Molly repositions Juan Manuel to avoid police scrutiny, while Rodney’s suspicious black eye precedes a planned private conversation.
Summary
After a nightmare of Charles Black turning to dust, Molly begins her day with precise routines and leaves for work. In the hallway, Mr. Rosso confronts her about overdue rent; she promises payment soon. At the hotel entrance, Mr. Preston offers support and confirms he saw no visitors to Charles Black the previous day.
Inside, Mr. Snow shows Molly a newspaper framing the death as potentially suspicious and reporting Giselle leaving with an unknown man. He asks if Molly has seen anything nefarious; she denies it. Mr. Snow discreetly reveals that Giselle remains in the hotel on the second floor and that the Black suite is sealed and off-limits.
Molly changes, collects her trolley, and goes to the kitchen, where a worried Juan Manuel asks what the death means for the hotel. With police focused on the fourth floor, Molly instructs him to relocate to room 202 on the second floor to avoid attention and warns him to keep a low profile, handing him a keycard and noting that Giselle is nearby.
In the Social bar, Rodney greets and hugs Molly. She notices his swollen, purple eye; he claims he ran into a door while helping Juan Manuel. Rodney proposes they meet after her shift at five to discuss what happened. Molly departs with the day’s newspapers, planning for their private conversation.
Who Appears
- Molly GrayHotel maid and narrator; returns to work, seeks information, protects Juan Manuel, and plans to meet Rodney despite growing scrutiny.
- Mr. SnowHotel manager; worries about the hotel’s reputation, confirms Giselle’s secret stay, and seals the Black suite.
- RodneyBartender; comforts Molly, sports a suspicious black eye, and schedules a private 5 p.m. conversation.
- Juan ManuelKitchen worker; concerned about the fallout. Relocated by Molly to room 202 and told to keep a low profile.
- Mr. PrestonDoorman; expresses concern for Molly, offers help, and notes no visitors to Charles Black.
- Mr. RossoMolly’s landlord; confronts her in the hallway about overdue rent, adding pressure to her day.
- Giselle BlackWidow of Charles Black; remains secretly at the hotel on the second floor amid the investigation.
- Charles BlackDeceased tycoon; his death dominates headlines and haunts Molly’s nightmare, driving hotel turmoil.