Some dark clouds were rolling in as you got to the hotel and they opened up as you stepped inside the hotel. Avery tall, but skinny man was behind the front desk, he had a series of three scars on each side of his neck.

"May I help you?" he asked.

"I'm Nicole Hellsmith," said Nicole.  "I have a reservation."

"Very good. Room 116," the man said, fetching a key. "We have no bellhop."

"I'll do it," the bus driver said.

"Thank you," said Nicole.  She went up to the room.

...this time, she let the bus driver see what was inside her sleeves as it handed him a quarter for a tip.

The bus driver's eyes went wide.

"H-have a good night."

You hear him move away down the hall and you are alone.

Nicole sighed-- you'd think, in Innsmouth, people would be more used to this kind of thing!-- and went to unpack.  She'd have to ask about options for dinner soon.  How distant was that place the driver had recommended...?

It wasn't too far from here, just a block down from here.

After unpacking and changing (such nimble tentacled demons!) Nicole went out to go get some dinner at that place.  Why not?

There was a knock on your door and a soft female voice.

"Ma'am, this is housekeeping, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," said Nicole.  "But I'd prefer to not be disturbed."

"Very well," the woman said.

Nicole went on to set up some protective wards before she slept.  This place was trouble, and nothing but.

You managed to have a restful sleep, clearly the wards worked.

She restored the room to its original condition and went out to grab a quick breakfast and find the old friend who'd written her...

The staff at the hotel gave you space, and set out into town. The home wasn't too far from the hotel and you manage to find it. The yard had plenty of ship wreck items in there.

Not surprising, in a town like this...

"Hey, it's me," she said.  "You in, kiddo?"

You see a small slot in the door open and a large eye appearing to peer out of it.

"Who is it?" a raspy voice asked.

"Me," said Nicole.  "Nicole Hellsmith, Esquire.  Obviously."

"Come in," the voice said, undoing locks on the door.

She did.

The house was dark and the female figure made sure to stay cloaked in shadow.

"What do you want?"

"Hell, lady, I was invited here!" said Nicole.  "I was told my talents were needed to deal with a weird situation.  Which means sorcery, witchcraft, demonology, something like that.  I don't get called to help someone match their dress to their wallpaper."

"It's been so long since I've had guests. I'm sorry," the woman said.

"That's okay," said Nicole.  "Some people already tried to do me in last night just for showing up here.  So what's going on?"

"My daughter has gone missing," the woman said. "I want her to come home."