Chapter 3 - The Owner’s Son
Marcus was reviewing banquet seating charts when Doyle entered his office.
“What now?”
“There’s a guest causing trouble at reception.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“He claims we canceled his accessible suite and demands another one.”
Marcus barely looked up.
“Then refund him.”
“He refuses to leave.”
Marcus sighed.
“Who is he?”
“No one important. He arrived by taxi.”
That answer was enough.
Marcus closed the seating chart.
The charity banquet that evening would be attended by investors, television personalities, and several members of the city council. He did not want a man in an old wheelchair arguing in the lobby when the cameras arrived.
“Move him to the budget hotel on Franklin Street.”
“He may complain.”
“Everyone complains. That’s what customer service departments are for.”
Marcus stood and adjusted his suit.
As he entered the lobby, his attention immediately went to Adrian.
He saw the scratched wheelchair, canvas bag, and inexpensive shoes.
In Marcus’s mind, the situation became simple.
A low-value guest was creating a high-value inconvenience.
Claire was explaining the tenth-floor room when Marcus interrupted.
“That room is unavailable.”
Claire turned. “Mr. Hale, the only issue is a damaged lamp.”
“And who gave you permission to discuss internal room inventory?”
“No one, but his confirmed suite was reassigned.”
Marcus looked at Adrian.
“Mr. Cole, we apologize for the reservation error. We’ll refund your payment.”
“I didn’t ask for a refund.”
“That is what we are offering.”
“I traveled here for a meeting. I need the room I booked.”
Marcus’s smile hardened.
“We cannot give you something we don’t have.”
“You had it when I paid.”
Marcus noticed two banquet organizers watching from the café.
His irritation increased.
“Mr. Cole, I am trying to resolve this quietly.”
“Quietly for whom?”
Marcus leaned toward him.
“For everyone.”
Adrian studied him carefully.
“Is this how you treat every guest whose appearance disappoints you?”
Claire inhaled sharply.
Marcus’s cheeks darkened.
“You know nothing about this hotel.”
“I know the accessible entrance was blocked. I know my confirmed room was given to someone else. I know your supervisor suggested I leave because accommodating me would be inconvenient.”
“And I know you are delaying people who have legitimate business here.”
Adrian looked toward the nearly empty reception line.
“What makes their business more legitimate than mine?”
Marcus had no answer that would sound acceptable in public.
So he changed tactics.
“I am the general manager. My decision is final.”
At that moment, an elegant woman in a red coat approached.
“Marcus, is there a problem?”
Her name was Vanessa Crowe, daughter of a real estate developer and Marcus’s guest for the evening banquet.
Marcus smiled at her.
“Nothing serious. Just a misunderstanding.”
Vanessa looked at Adrian.
Her gaze moved from his wheelchair to his coat.
“Is he staying here?”
“Apparently he believes he is.”
Vanessa laughed softly.
Adrian heard her.
So did Claire.
Marcus placed a hand on the back of Adrian’s wheelchair.
“We will have someone escort you outside.”
Adrian’s voice became colder.
“Remove your hand.”
Marcus did not.
Instead, he pushed the chair a few inches toward the entrance.
Adrian locked the wheels.
Several guests began watching.
Marcus lowered his voice.
“You are not going to create a scene in my lobby.”
“This scene was created before I arrived.”
Marcus stepped around the chair.
“You have thirty seconds to leave.”
Adrian reached into his bag.
Marcus assumed he was searching for a phone or identification.
May you like
In reality, Adrian pressed a small button on a secure recording device.
The inspection had officially become an investigation.
