Chapter 11
Watching while Genna tried to calm Miles Franklin down, it took every ounce of self-restraint Parker possessed to keep from intervening. This was definitely a case where the customer was not always right. Plus, the guy was needlessly being a total jerk.
But Genna’s role as the office manager meant handling the customer interactions, both good and bad. Though this type of situation luckily had been rare, he needed to make sure she felt comfortable dealing with it. Unless she indicated the wanted him to step in, he’d let her handle things.
“Well?” Miles demanded, rapping his knuckles sharply on the counter. “Did you lose your voice?”
Revis, who’d been sleeping in his bed behind her, growled.
Expression startled, Genna swung around to look.
Not only had the big dog gotten to his feet, but her little JB had joined him.
The two canines stared Miles down. The hackles on Revis’s back were raised and they both looked decidedly unfriendly.
Anyone who had any knowledge of dogs would take this as a clear warning.
Parker couldn’t help but approve. It appeared he wasn’t the only one watching over Genna.
After a brief irritated glance, Miles paid no attention to the animals or to Parker. Instead, he continued to focus all his attention on Genna. “Well?” he demanded again.
Straightening, she took a deep breath. Parker guessed she was determined to keep her response cool and composed.
“Since you are asking me how you’re going to have a fish fry, I can suggest a couple of markets that stock an ample supply of fresh fish.
Beyond that, there’s really nothing else I can do for you. ”
At that, Parker had to stifle a laugh.
Miles bristled, likely about to hurl another set of insults or demands at Genna. Just then, the driver of the bus waiting out front honked the horn.
“You’d better get going,” Parker drawled, unable to help himself. “It sounds like they might be getting ready to leave without you.”
Face red, Miles looked from Genna to Parker. “You haven’t heard the last of me,” he declared. “I’ll be posting a review online.” He took two steps toward the door before whirling around. “And I will be contacting my bank to dispute the credit card charges.”
With that, he bulldozed out the door and stomped off to the waiting bus.
Watching him go, Genna sagged against the counter in relief.
Parker sighed. “Please make a note in his file not to allow him to book with us again.”
“Already done,” Genna responded, shaking her head. “I can’t imagine being so entitled that you think you shouldn’t have to pay if you don’t catch a fish.”
“It happens. But luckily, not very often.” He thought for a moment. “But it did remind me why I’d rather Spence take the fishing groups. At least when I stick to hiking or four-wheeling, people don’t have unreasonable expectations.”
As the bus drove off, Parker finally relaxed. Genna appeared to be trying, but she couldn’t hide the way her hands trembled.
Just knowing how badly that customer had upset Genna made his entire body clench. “Are you all right?” he asked, his voice gruff.
Gaze locked on his, she slowly nodded. “It was all just so unexpected,” she said. “I still don’t understand why he got so angry.”
“Some people are just like that. Like I said, it’s rare.”
“Is it? You’re telling me that no one gets upset if they go out on a wildlife trip and don’t see any? Or a whale-watching thing with no whales?” Genna asked, some of the color finally returning to her face.
“Oh, we have had some who might make a few snide comments here and there, but it’s rare that someone demands their money back. And not just their own payment, but that of everyone in the group.”
She glanced at her computer. “That would have been a significant amount of money. And he signed the disclaimer.”
“Exactly.” He moved around behind the counter and squeezed her shoulder, aching to do more. “Don’t worry about it. He’s gone. Hopefully, he’ll move on with his life. And if he writes a bad review, once he explains his logic, no one will take him seriously.”
“True.” Finally, her tense expression relaxed and she smiled up at him. “I’m just glad you were here. You and the dogs.”
They both turned to look. Revis and JB had returned to their beds and had curled up comfortably.
“Best decision I ever made,” Genna said, her smile widening.
“Best decision we ever made,” he corrected, barely able to keep from touching her again. “You did well handling all of that.”
“Did I?” Apparently completely unaware of how she affected him, she got busy typing something into her computer. “I wondered if you would have preferred I offer him something. Like maybe a free pass to come fish again.”
He snorted, about to comment, until he realized she wasn’t serious. “Only if you guarantee he could catch a bunch of fish next time.”
Brows raised, she met his gaze. “Thank you. Just being able to joke around about this has made me feel a lot better.”
“I’m glad.” He thought for a moment. “After Spence’s group comes back, are there any more going out today?”
“Nope,” she replied without even having to check the schedule on the computer. “It’s a slow day.”
“Which means maybe you can I could go to dinner after?”
She froze. “Maybe,” she finally said. “Though, to be honest, I’d rather get takeout and go home and eat.”
The way she referred to his place as home brought a lump to his throat. “That sounds good, too. Let me know what you want and we’ll order ahead.”
In the end, they decided on fried chicken. “I need comfort food,” she told him, her expression serious. “Mashed potatoes and gravy, and those rolls with honey.”
After Spence and his group returned, Genna put them through checkout, which went smoothly. Spence appeared distracted and left as soon as his tour did, which meant Parker never had a chance to tell him about their irate customer.
“We can fill him in tomorrow,” Genna said, correctly reading his mind.
“We’ll definitely have to,” he replied. He could only imagine Spence’s response.
After Genna set her computer up for the morning, they turned out the lights and locked the door. They picked up the meal on the way home. Both dogs immediately perked up at the smell of fried chicken. Their intent fixation on the large paper sack made Genna laugh.
“None of this for you,” she said. “But I promise I’ll feed both of you your kibble as soon as we’re home.”
There it was again. Home. While he figured calling his place “home” wasn’t a big deal to her, he couldn’t help but like it. A lot.
He’d just pulled into the driveway and parked when she made an odd sound low in her throat.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, killing the ignition and pocketing the key fob before turning to face her.
“Look at my car,” she said, fumbling with the door handle so she could get out. “What the heck happened to it?” The urgency in her voice had him jumping out his side.
“Someone slashed my tires.” Expression incredulous, she made a slow circle around her car. “All four of them.”
Following her, Parker cursed. More than just jabbed, someone had repeatedly used a knife to create large gashes in each tire. Not only were they flat, they were in shreds. “Who would do such a thing?” he asked, unbelieving.
“I’m guessing my stalker figured out where I’m staying.” A combination of fear and sadness colored her voice. “Until he’s caught, no place is safe for me.”
Pulling her into his arms, Parker kissed her forehead. “We don’t know that this is the work of your stalker,” he pointed out.
She lifted her head to look at him. “Oh, really? Who else could it be?”
“I’m thinking that irate customer from earlier today. It’s a simple thing to find out where I’m living. Maybe he decided this would be a good way to act out his frustration.”
Her eyes widened. “I didn’t even think of that. I’d pretty much forgotten about him. But honestly, I’d rather it have been him than my stalker. I hate not feeling safe.”
“I get that.” What Parker didn’t tell her was that he planned to pay Miles Franklin a call. No way could he let anyone get away with ruining the property of one of RTA’s employees. She might work there, but she wasn’t responsible for company policies.
“A new set of tires isn’t cheap,” Genna mused. “And as badly as these are slashed up, I’m thinking they’re not repairable.”
Right then and there, Parker determined if Miles Franklin had done this, he’d either be replacing all four of Genna’s tires or they’d be pressing charges.
“Let’s go inside, feed the dogs and have our meal,” he said, arm still around her shoulders. “After that, let me see what I can find out.”
She didn’t comment.
They fed the dogs and then spread out all their fast food on the table. He’d gotten several sides, all comfort food. In addition to the mashed potatoes, he’d ordered macaroni and cheese, baked beans and small salads. Plus, he’d ordered extra rolls, butter and honey.
Despite expressing her eagerness for the food earlier, Genna barely picked at it now. “Having my tires slashed messed with my appetite,” she said. “But, hey, at least we have lots of leftovers. Maybe I’ll feel like eating later.”
He understood. While she packed everything up to put in the refrigerator, he left the room and stepped outside to the back patio. If he intended to pay Miles Franklin a visit, he would need company.
He’d just taken out his phone to dial Spence when Eli called. “I did some digging into Genna’s ex and his new wife, Ann,” Eli began.
“Wife?” Startled, Parker scratched his head. “I thought she was his girlfriend.”
“Well, they got married,” Eli replied. “I’m not sure when. Anyways, Ann is a piece of work. She’s had a few assault complaints against her, but they were all dropped. I suspect her wealthy family had something to do with that.”
“Assault charges?” Parker asked. “For other people? Not just Genna?”
“Yes. And some of the notes indicate Ann is a bit unstable, to put it mildly.”