Mercer nodded.
“What happened today?”
Vanessa pointed at Daniel again.
“He started bothering my friends.”
“How?”
“He told them they needed to leave part of the pool.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did he say why?”
“He said something about rules.”
“What rule?”
Vanessa frowned.
“I don’t know. That’s not the point.”
Mercer tilted his head.
“What is the point?”
“The point is I paid for access.”
“To the resort?”
“Yes.”
“And security told you to leave?”
“For no reason.”
“But they told you to leave.”
“Yes, but I paid.”
Mercer nodded slowly.
Vanessa interpreted the nod as agreement.
“Exactly.”
“No,” Mercer said. “I’m making sure I understand.”
“You do understand.”
“I understand that security asked you to leave.”
“For no reason.”
“Did you leave?”
“Why would I?”
Mercer paused.
There it was.
The entire situation in four words.
Why would I?
He looked at Daniel.
Then back at Vanessa.
“Because it’s private property.”
Vanessa stared at him.
“I’m a paying guest.”
“That doesn’t mean management can’t ask you to leave.”
“Yes, it does.”
“No, ma’am.”
She laughed.
“Yes. It absolutely does.”
Mercer shook his head.
“No.”
“You can’t take someone’s money and then kick them out.”
“That would be an issue between you and the hotel regarding a refund. But if the property representative tells you to leave, you have to leave.”
Vanessa pulled her sunglasses down.
“So anybody can just tell me to leave?”
“Someone authorized by the property can.”
“He’s security.”
“Yes.”
“He’s not the owner.”
“He represents the property.”
“I want his manager.”
Daniel spoke for the first time.
“My general manager has already authorized the removal.”
Vanessa turned.
“I wasn’t talking to you.”
Mercer raised a hand slightly.
“Let’s keep this simple.”
“I am keeping it simple.”
“Good. Then gather your belongings, and we’ll walk you to the lobby.”
Vanessa looked at him.
“No.”
Mercer’s face remained calm.