"Can I help you?"
Richard nodded.
"I hope so."
Victor glanced at his clothing.
"Are you a guest?"
"No."
"Then why are you standing at my reception desk?"
Richard looked directly at him.
"I requested a meeting."
Victor frowned.
"With whom?"
"With you, apparently."
Victor laughed.
"Well, you've found me. What do you want?"
Richard took a breath.
"I'd like to discuss the hotel's operations, maintenance, and several complaints I've received."
Victor's expression changed.
"Complaints?"
"Yes."
Victor folded his arms.
"Are you from the city inspection department?"
"No."
"Are you representing a company?"
Richard remained silent for a moment.
Then he answered.
"I represent myself."
Victor looked at Ethan.
The receptionist tried not to smile.
Victor turned back.
"Listen, sir. We have very strict procedures. You cannot simply walk into a luxury hotel and demand to meet management."
Richard nodded.
"That's understandable. However, I believe you should make an exception."
Victor laughed.
"And why would I do that?"
Richard placed his hand on the counter.
"Because the matters I need to discuss concern this hotel directly."
Victor became impatient.
"Look, I don't know who you are, but I have a business to run."
Richard's voice remained controlled.
"I know exactly what business you're running."
Victor stepped closer.
"Then perhaps you should make an appointment like everyone else."
"I did."
"Where is your confirmation?"
Richard reached into his coat and removed his phone.
Before he could show the message, Victor interrupted.
"Actually, I don't need to see anything. Security can help you leave."
Chloe looked uncomfortable.
She had noticed something unusual about Richard.
He wasn't behaving like someone looking for a free room or trying to get special treatment.
He was calm, deliberate, and surprisingly familiar with the hotel.
But nobody asked her opinion.
Victor turned toward the security desk.
"Could someone please escort this gentleman outside?"
Richard looked at him.
"Are you certain you want to do that?"
Victor smiled.
"Absolutely."
Richard nodded slowly.
"Very well."
He took out his phone.
And made one call.
CHAPTER 3: THE PHONE CALL
Richard selected a number from his contacts.
The phone rang once.
Twice.
Then a familiar voice answered.
"Good morning, Mr. Harrison."
Richard spoke calmly.