Make Reservations Early!
J. M. Strother

“Really, there must be some mistake,” Randolf Cunningham insisted, craning his neck to see over the counter.

“No,” the man behind the counter replied in a firm voice. He moved the book aside, to keep Randolf from seeing the entries on the ledger. “I am sorry, Mr. Cunningham, but there is no reservation in your name.”

“How can that be? I was sure I had everything taken care of.”

“Apparently not.”

“Well, surely you can find room? Could you just, you know, bump somebody else? After all, I am, er, was, a very important man. I'm on the board of four Fortune 500 companies.”

“You mean you were on the board...”

“Well, yes, technically. But I still have friends in high places.”

“Not high enough, I'm afraid.”

“Well, this is ridiculous! What is your name? I want to speak to your supervisor.”

The man pointed to the name plate on the counter.

Gabriel.

“Well, Gabriel, I want to speak to your supervisor immediately.”

“I'm sorry, Mr. Cunningham, but he is very busy right now. He won't be able to see you. However, we do have alternate accommodations ready for you.” He pointed to the elevator door on the other side of the gilded lobby. The elevator marked “Down”.

Mr. Cunningham swallowed hard. “You don't suppose they have any air conditioned rooms there, do you?”

“I'm afraid not.” Gabriel looked down at his ledger and then back up and over Mr. Cunningham's head. “Next!”

 
~jon
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