S1 E2 – Reservations

Three days after the arrest, the manager of the prestigious White Resort, one Mr. Zannier Riviera, wakes in another sweat, and decides he must act! He can't keep having this reoccurring nightmare! He's losing sleep as he chases a shrieking phantom through endless shadowy hallways, leaping stairs, and slamming through doors, his heart drumming painfully as he follows the man leading the chase.

Detective Inspector Poole, the newest Police Chief on the island, never flags, never pauses, never hesitates, but pounds relentlessly after the villain they are chasing… and Zannier knows in his heart that Detective Inspector Poole will never give up, never give in, and never quit. Poole will chase after William forever if that's what it takes. Poole will never stop and Zannier is going to kill himself trying to keep up.

Zannier jolts awake in the pre-dawn light with shortness of breath and a renewed sense of gratitude for what DI Poole had achieved three days earlier. Just as suddenly, he knows what he must do. He dresses and hustles down to the main dining room and puts his idea into action.

By noon, there is a table set in the quietest spot where a watchful man can sit with his back to the wall and command a full unobstructed view of the room. Above this table is a small framed notice that reads 'On Permanent Reservation for the honourable Chief of Police, Detective Inspector Richard Poole, with thanks and gratitude for services rendered, the Management'.

By nightfall, two busboys and a server have quietly slipped away and the persistent petty food pilfering that no one could explain… stops. By the next day, guest complaints about missing items also dries up.

Zannier is very pleased with himself… until the day dawns when he bustles into the dining room and sees the back of an immaculate wool suit standing in front of the special table. He hesitates briefly, swallows, then stands up straight and approaches. The suited man hears him coming and turns slightly with a raised eyebrow and wry smile.

Zannier smiles a trifle nervously and gestures to the sign, "Good morning, Inspector, I hope you don't mind too much. You've made our good people feel so much safer… and put such a fear of god into our bad people that I just thought…"

The suited man nods tiredly, "You just thought to threaten them all with my daily presence, did you?"

Zannier glances down, digs a toe into the plush carpet and murmurs, "Well, yes, sorry. I should have asked you first. Not to worry, I'll have it taken down."

The suited man shrugs and huffs, "No need, it's rather a nice compliment, in a way, and it's good to know that if ever I need somewhere cool and pleasant to rest, my table is always waiting."

Zannier starts and steps forward, his hand out, "Of course, Inspector! You're always welcome at the White Resort at any time, day or night. Would you care for some breakfast? A coffee, perhaps?"

The suited man shakes his head, "No, not today, but thank you." He then says cautiously, "Um, could I possibly make a reservation for tonight or perhaps tomorrow night? May I bring a guest?"

Zannier smiles in relief, "But of course! You have an unreserved reservation here as long as I am Executive Manager. What time may we expect you… and your guest?"

The suited man shuffles his feet, looking slightly shifty, "Um, I'm not sure about my guest but, for me, I like to dine by 7pm at the latest. Is that all right?"

Zannier nods, "Any time you attend is fine by me. I will instruct my staff to watch for you. I expect it will put them all on their toes even more so!"

"Thank you," the Inspector murmurs then starts away but turns back, "Could I maybe bring more than one guest? My team, you see, they work very hard. Without them I wouldn't be who I am here."

Zannier puzzles this over then nods, "Certainly, I'm sure we can accommodate a larger group every so often, say, once a month. Would that suit?"

The Inspector smiles, "Yes, that suits very well. As for me, may I take breakfast here two or three times a week? And… if I may be so bold… could you have someone schooled in the proper technique of steeping loose-leaf black tea? I would appreciate that very much."

Zannier gives a half-bow, "But, of course! I myself will research the correct process." The Inspector turns away but Zannier calls him back, "And, for tonight's guest, forgive me for also being so bold but… shall I perhaps put a single rose upon the table? Just for luck?"

The Inspector narrows his eyes but Zannier keeps a serene face, not letting the gossip and back-lane chatter register as he awaits the man's reply. Finally the Inspector gives a small nod, "It couldn't hurt, thank you." He tips his head back and muses quietly, "I think… dark pink… yes, definitely, dark pink."

Zannier raises an eyebrow, "Dark pink? Are you certain? Not… lavender, perhaps?" thinking about what he's been hearing in town but when the Inspector's eyes drop down to pin Zannier where he stands, Zannier gulps and straightens up. Oops, that was obviously a step too far on my part! He clasps his hands behind his back nervously, "Please forgive me, Inspector, I only meant…"

The Inspector gives him a hard look then relaxes, "I know what you meant and, despite what you may have heard over the garden fence, let's not put the cart before the horse, shall we? One dark pink rose to start, thank you. I may change my colour choice later, I will keep you apprised." Then he turns on a well-shod heel and is gone.

Zannier waits until he is sure the Inspector has actually left before sinking into the nearest chair. Well! Here's a to-do and no mistake! The magical Inspector is actually going to dine here! That will put the shark amongst the guppies for certain. He jumps to his feet. I must inform Chef!

He hustles away, just a man who is thankful to have a protector. "And maybe," he whispers as he steps into the big kitchen, "just maybe, I'll stop dreaming about murder."

END *In the secret code of roses: dark pink = appreciation/gratitude, lavender = love at first sight/enchantment.*