“Maya, I'll handle this.”
The young employee stepped backward.
Elias watched her.
Then returned his attention to Graham.
“Please don't reprimand an employee for providing information I requested.”
The general manager's face tightened.
“Of course.”
Elias nodded.
“Now, let's inspect the reservation history.”
Graham glanced toward the security guards.
Then smiled again.
“I think we should move to my office.”
Elias looked around the magnificent lobby.
For a moment, he remembered his mother's first suspension.
The way managers suddenly preferred private conversations when an accusation turned out to be wrong.
He took a breath.
“We'll move to your office. But I want the records preserved exactly as they exist.”
Graham's smile faded.
“Preserved?”
“Yes.”
Elias looked toward Maya.
“Do not change the original booking, the exception notes, or the room assignment history.”
She nodded quickly.
“Yes, sir.”
Graham opened his mouth.
Then closed it.
For the first time that afternoon, the general manager seemed to understand the new owner's visit wasn't going to end with champagne, apologies, and a complimentary upgrade.
Graham's office was located behind the executive lounge on the mezzanine level.
Its walls were decorated with photographs of the hotel's history: glamorous opening-night celebrations, famous guests arriving in evening clothes, and elaborate dinners beneath the chandeliers.
A large mahogany desk stood before tall windows overlooking the avenue.
The room smelled faintly of expensive cologne and polished wood.
Graham offered Elias a seat.
Then asked whether he wanted coffee.
Elias declined.
He placed his phone on the desk.
Then looked directly at the general manager.
“Let's begin with the reservation.”
Graham sat.
For several seconds, he appeared to be deciding how much information to offer.
Then he opened his laptop.
“The presidential suite experienced an unexpected maintenance requirement.”
Elias nodded.
“What happened?”
“A plumbing concern.”
“When?”
“Earlier today.”
“Was the room inspected?”
Graham hesitated.
“Yes.”
“By whom?”
“Our engineering team.”
Elias folded his hands.
“Then there should be a work order.”
The general manager looked toward the computer.
For a moment, he seemed irritated.
Then he nodded.
“I can provide it.”
“Thank you.”
Elias continued.
“Now explain why the reservation system lists the room as occupied.”
Graham exhaled.
“There may have been a duplicate room assignment.”
“An error?”
“Possibly.”
Elias studied him.
“Then we'll find out.”
The general manager nodded.
But his hands had begun moving nervously beneath the desk.
Elias noticed.
He also noticed that Graham repeatedly glanced toward his phone.
Someone was messaging him.