“We'll need a special investigation group. Forensic accountants, internal-controls specialists, employment counsel, and hotel operations professionals.”
Elias nodded.
“Bring in the right people.”
She studied him.
“Even if that delays your transition plans?”
“Yes.”
She closed the folder.
“Then let's begin.”
The first person Renee interviewed was Isaac Fulton.
He entered the conference room wearing his black security uniform.
His expression was cautious.
He had spent eleven years at the Halcyon Grand, but this was the first time he'd been summoned to speak directly with the person who controlled the hotel's new parent company.
Elias greeted him.
“Mr. Fulton. Thank you for coming.”
Isaac nodded.
“Yes, sir.”
“Please sit.”
The security guard hesitated.
Then lowered himself into the chair.
Renee introduced herself and explained the purpose of the interview.
They were reviewing the reception incident and broader operating procedures. The discussion would be documented, and Isaac should describe only what he personally observed.
He nodded.
Then began.
He described Vanessa raising her voice.
The accusation concerning the black card.
The request for security.
And Elias's calm response.
When Renee asked whether Elias threatened the manager, Isaac shook his head.
“No.”
“Did he refuse a lawful security instruction?”
“Not that I observed.”
“Did he interfere with other guests?”
“No.”
She made a note.
Then asked.
“Why didn't you remove him when the manager requested it?”
Isaac looked toward Elias.
For a moment, he seemed uncertain.
Then answered.
“Because I didn't see a reason that justified physically removing him.”
Renee nodded.
“Can you explain?”
Isaac took a breath.
“Mr. Ward was standing at the counter. He wasn't shouting. He wasn't touching anybody. The manager said the card was fake, but I didn't see anyone actually run it.”
He paused.
“And he kept asking them to check the reservation.”
Renee nodded.
“Did the manager give you any additional information?”
“No.”
Isaac looked down.
“Just that she wanted him gone.”
For a moment, the room became quiet.
Then Elias spoke.
“Have you received similar instructions before?”
Isaac's expression changed.
He looked toward Renee.
Then back at Elias.
For several seconds, he remained silent.
Finally, he answered.
“Yes.”
Elias leaned forward.
“How often?”
Isaac hesitated.
“Not every day.”
He looked down.
“But enough.”
Renee spoke gently.
“Can you describe a specific incident?”
Isaac nodded.
He recalled a young Black couple arriving for a weekend reservation.
The couple had booked through a third-party travel service.
Their confirmation appeared valid.
But the room assignment failed to load properly.