Before Marcus could push the man backward, the heavy glass doors swung open once more. The sharp, urgent click of high heels echoed against the marble floor.
"Is there a problem out here?" a crisp, professional voice called out.
It was Victoria, the Director of Guest Relations for the entire complex. Dressed in a sharp grey suit, carrying a tablet, she stepped outside to investigate the commotion. She had been overseeing the evening's reservations in the main lobby when she noticed the altercation taking place just beyond the glass.
Marcus turned immediately, straightening his spine and adopting a posture of proud efficiency. "No problem at all, Ms. Victoria. Just an intruder trying to wander into the main lobby. I’m handling it. He was just leaving."
Victoria glanced past the guard to look at the visitor. The moment her eyes landed on the elderly man in the faded brown jacket, the color drained entirely from her face. Her confident, authoritative demeanor vanished, replaced by an expression of utter shock and sudden panic.
She hurried forward, pushing past Marcus so quickly that she nearly brushed his shoulder.
"Sir!" Victoria exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly. "Why didn't you tell me you were here? We had no idea you were coming this evening!"
Marcus froze. He looked back and forth between his supervisor and the raggedly dressed old man. "Ms. Victoria? Do you... do you know this man?"