She had simply made a phone call.
Across the room, Vanessa was still dissatisfied.
VANESSA: "I don't understand why this is taking so long."
MARCUS: "What's taking so long?"
VANESSA: "The situation. I thought we had already established that this isn't working."
MARCUS: "She hasn't caused any further problems."
VANESSA: "She is still here."
MARCUS: "She's browsing."
VANESSA: "Marcus, I don't want to repeat myself."
He placed his pen on the counter.
MARCUS: "Vanessa, unless there's a specific policy violation, we can't ask someone to leave simply because another customer is uncomfortable with them."
For the first time, Vanessa looked genuinely offended by his response.
VANESSA: "Are you telling me that my concerns don't matter?"
MARCUS: "I'm telling you that we need a legitimate reason to remove a customer."
VANESSA: "I have spent years supporting this business."
MARCUS: "And we appreciate your business."
VANESSA: "Then act like it."
Marcus drew a slow breath.
MARCUS: "I can't make another customer leave just to satisfy you."
The words were not particularly loud, but their effect was immediate. Vanessa stared at him as though he had suddenly begun speaking a different language.
She had expected him to agree, apologize, or promise to handle the matter privately. Instead, he had drawn a line that he should arguably have drawn much earlier.
VANESSA: "I see."
She gave him a thin smile.
VANESSA: "So that's how we're doing things now."
MARCUS: "I'm simply following the store's policy."
VANESSA: "We'll see how long that policy lasts."
She turned away before he could respond.
Marcus watched her return to the display, then looked toward Danielle. He considered approaching her to apologize for the earlier questions, but he hesitated. He was not sure how to acknowledge the problem without making it more uncomfortable.
Before he could decide, the boutique's entrance doors opened.
A man entered wearing a navy-blue business suit, a white shirt, and a bright orange tie. His short gray hair was neatly arranged, and he carried himself with the steady confidence of someone accustomed to walking into important meetings without needing to announce his arrival.
His name was Richard Hayes.
Richard paused just inside the entrance to allow the glass doors to close behind him. He glanced across the boutique, taking in the displays and the employees moving through the aisles.
Then his attention settled on Marcus.
Richard walked toward the central counter.
RICHARD: "Good afternoon."
Marcus looked up.
MARCUS: "Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to Bellgrave House. How may I assist you?"
RICHARD: "I'm looking for someone."
MARCUS: "Certainly. Do you have an appointment?"
Richard regarded him calmly.
RICHARD: "I do, although I don't believe it was arranged through the usual booking system."
Marcus straightened slightly.
MARCUS: "May I ask whom you're here to see?"
Richard glanced toward the far side of the boutique.
RICHARD: "I was told she'd be here."
Marcus followed his gaze but saw only customers and clothing displays. Danielle stood near a glass counter, looking at her phone. Vanessa was beside the mirror, pretending to examine a dress while listening to the conversation.
MARCUS: "I'm afraid I'll need a name before I can direct you to the right person."
RICHARD: "That's reasonable."
Richard reached inside his jacket, then stopped as his phone vibrated. He checked the screen and read a short message.
His expression became more focused.
RICHARD: "Actually, I believe the person I'm looking for is already here."
Marcus looked around again.
MARCUS: "Would you like me to call someone over?"
RICHARD: "No. I'll find her myself."
Richard moved away from the counter.
Vanessa watched him approach the center of the boutique. She immediately noticed his suit, his polished shoes, and the confidence with which he navigated the room. His appearance met the standards she associated with important clients, and she assumed he must be a business partner, a wealthy customer, or someone connected to the store's senior management.
She adjusted her posture and offered him a pleasant smile.
VANESSA: "Good afternoon. Welcome to Bellgrave House."
Richard acknowledged her with a brief nod.
RICHARD: "Good afternoon."
VANESSA: "Are you looking for anything in particular? I know several people here, and I'm happy to help."
RICHARD: "Thank you, but I believe I can manage."
Vanessa did not retreat immediately.
VANESSA: "If you're interested in our private collection, I can explain how the appointment process works."