Train for what exactly? Scamming, Rebecca declared. They study our protocols, learn our weaknesses, then exploit our politeness against us.
Steve Wilson’s radio crackled again. Wilson, ETA on resolution. 3 minutes or we’re calling HCPD, he responded, eyes locked on David.
The live stream comments exploded. Record everything. This hotel is about to get sued. Where is the manager?
Somebody needs to help this man. David checked his watch, the subtle PC Philippe catching light again.
The gesture was casual, but the live streamer’s camera captured the expensive time piece clearly.
“Guys, look at his watch,” she whispered urgently. “That’s like a $50,000 watch. Something is seriously wrong with this picture.”
Her viewer count hit 1,000 and climbing. Rebecca noticed the growing online audience and played to it shamelessly.
This is what we deal with everyday, folks. They dress up, put on expensive accessories, probably fake, and try to intimidate honest working people.
David’s expression didn’t change, but something flickered behind his eyes. Janet Davis pulled out her own phone, recording from a different angle.
I’m documenting everything for legal protection. These situations always turn into lawsuits. Smart. Rebecca agreed loudly.
They’ll claim we discriminated, file complaints, demand settlements. It’s a whole industry. The businessman who’ defended David earlier stepped closer.
This is getting ridiculous. Just check his reservation. We don’t negotiate with scammers, Rebecca snapped.
Steve Wilson moved behind David, effectively boxing him in. Sir, you are surrounded by witnesses.
If you resist removal, it becomes criminal trespass. David turned slowly, taking in the circle of faces.
Hotel staff, security guests, cameras, everyone waiting for his next move. I’m not resisting anything, he said clearly.
I’m simply standing here. His phone buzzed. The screen showed Michael Brown GM again. Then another text from Lisa Anderson, corporate.
David glanced at both notifications, but made no move to answer. The restraint was almost supernatural.
Rebecca sensed victory. Her voice rose triumphantly. See how they always have excuses? Always have someone to call.
It’s all part of the con. The live streamer’s audience had grown to 1500. Local news blogger at htx news now joined the stream immediately boosting visibility.
“Holy shit,” the live streamer breathed, reading comments. Channel 2 News is watching. “This is going viral.”
Steve Wilson heard her and stiffened. “Ma’am, please stop recording. It’s a public space,” she replied firmly.
“First amendment rights.” Rebecca’s confidence wavered slightly. Viral videos meant corporate attention. Corporate attention meant uncomfortable questions.
But she’d gone too far to back down now. Fine, she declared. Let everyone see what we deal with.
This is what discrimination actually looks like. Hardworking Americans being harassed by people who think they can intimidate their way into anything.
David’s phone buzzed a third time. Emergency board meeting 400 p.m. His thumb hovered over the notification.
See? Rebecca pointed at his phone. Always with the important calls. Probably calling his lawyer already.
