Thomas placed his hand on the car's roof.
"I said your employees should know more about the products they sell."
Richard took a breath.
"Security."
Emily immediately stepped forward.
"Mr. Collins, please."
But Richard had already made up his mind.
CHAPTER 5: THE THREAT OF REMOVAL
A security employee approached from the main entrance.
His name was David.
He had worked at Sterling Motors for six years and was generally a quiet, professional man.
Richard pointed toward Thomas.
"Please escort this gentleman outside."
David hesitated.
"Is there a problem, sir?"
Richard replied sharply.
"He's disturbing the showroom."
Thomas looked at David.
"I haven't disturbed anyone."
David glanced toward Emily.
She shook her head slightly.
"He's simply asking about a vehicle."
Richard turned toward her.
"That is enough, Emily."
David looked uncomfortable.
"Sir, perhaps we can resolve this without making a scene."
Richard ignored him.
"This is private property. We have the right to decide who receives service."
Thomas slowly picked up his briefcase.
"You're correct. It is your property."
He looked around the showroom.
"But remember something. The way you treat people when you believe they have nothing to offer you says more about your business than any advertisement ever could."
Richard laughed.
"Are you giving me business advice now?"
Thomas nodded.
"Perhaps you need some."
Several employees exchanged nervous glances.
Richard stepped closer.
"Listen, old man. I have customers who spend more on a vehicle than you probably earn in a lifetime. I don't need lectures from someone who walks in wearing a coat like that."
Emily looked shocked.
"That's completely inappropriate."
Richard turned toward her.
"One more word and you can join him outside."
Thomas raised his hand.
"Leave her out of this."
He spoke calmly, but something in his voice made Richard pause.
Thomas looked toward the entrance.
"I'll wait a little longer. Someone is supposed to meet me here."
Richard folded his arms.
"Who?"
Thomas checked his watch.
"Someone from your company's ownership group."
Richard laughed.
"That's convenient."
Thomas did not respond.
Richard shook his head.
"Do you expect me to believe that?"
"No."
"Then why say it?"
"Because it's true."
Richard looked at David.
"Please."
David took a step forward.
Thomas did not resist.
But before anyone could move him toward the door, a black luxury vehicle pulled into the parking area.
A man in a dark suit stepped out.
He looked toward the showroom and immediately began walking toward the entrance.
Richard noticed him.
His expression changed.
CHAPTER 6: THE ARRIVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE
The man entering the dealership was named Jonathan Reed.
He was the regional director of Sterling Automotive Group.
He had authority over several dealerships and reported directly to the company's board.
Richard immediately straightened his jacket.
"Mr. Reed! What a pleasant surprise."
Jonathan barely acknowledged him.
His eyes moved across the showroom.
Then he saw Thomas.
His expression changed completely.
He hurried forward.
"Mr. Bennett!"
Thomas turned.
"Jonathan."
Jonathan extended both hands.
"It's wonderful to see you again. I apologize for keeping you waiting."
Richard froze.
He looked at Jonathan, then at Thomas.
Emily stood silently beside the black sedan.
Jonathan continued.
"I hope everything is ready for the inspection."
Thomas nodded.
"I've had a little time to look around."
Jonathan smiled.
"Excellent. Did the team assist you?"
Thomas glanced toward Emily.
"Emily has been very helpful."
Jonathan looked relieved.
"That's good to hear."
Then Thomas turned toward Richard.
"Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about everyone."
Jonathan's smile faded.
"What happened?"
Richard stepped forward.
"Mr. Reed, there seems to be a misunderstanding."
Thomas said nothing.
Jonathan looked at Emily.
"Can you explain?"
Emily hesitated.
She did not want to create problems for her manager.
But she also knew that remaining silent would be wrong.
"Mr. Bennett came in because he wanted to inspect the black sedan. I offered to help him. Mr. Collins repeatedly questioned whether he could afford the vehicle and eventually asked security to remove him."