Chapter 164 Deliberately Causing Trouble
"Maiken!" Adrian Abbott, the travel agency owner, was frantically looking for Maiken Olsen.
Susan heard the ruckus and rushed over. "Mr. Abbott, Maiken's in the restroom. She has an upset stomach."
Adrian frowned. "Why now? The tour bus is here, and thirty tourists are waiting!"
Susan knew even a short delay would mess up the schedule. "I'll check on her."
In the restroom, Susan knocked on the stall door. "Maiken, you okay? Mr. Abbott's worried, and the tourists are on the bus."
Maiken's voice was strained. "Susan, I got food poisoning. I can't even stand. Tell Mr. Abbott to find a replacement. I can't make it to Whispering Winds Canyon."
"That bad? Alright, I'll let him know. If it gets worse, you should go to the hospital," Susan said, concerned.
"Thanks, Susan," Maiken replied weakly.
Susan hurried back to Adrian, who was already sweating bullets.
"Where's Maiken?" he asked, noticing Susan was alone.
"Mr. Abbott, she's really sick. She can't leave the restroom. She said she can't make it and you need to find a replacement," Susan explained.
Adrian slapped his thigh in frustration. "It's the second day of the New Year. All the guides are either here or home for the holidays. Where am I supposed to find someone now?"
"What do we do?" Susan glanced at the bus, where tourists were starting to grumble.
Adrian paced, then pointed at Susan. "You go instead!"
Susan was shocked. "But I'm not a tour guide!"
"No one checks during the holidays. You know the route; you've been with Maiken twice. Hotels and restaurants are set. Just count passengers, introduce sights, and manage meals and accommodations. The driver can help," Adrian said, pushing her out the door.
"But I..." Susan started, feeling the pressure. She hadn't memorized the guide's script.
"Please, just help us out. I'll pay you double, no, triple for these two days!" Adrian pleaded.
Susan saw he had no other option. "Alright, I'll do my best."
"You're a lifesaver!" Adrian thanked, clasping his hands in gratitude.
Five minutes later, Susan boarded the bus with a small flag, a passenger list, and a simple backpack.
Holding the microphone, her palms were sweaty. She'd never spoken in front of so many people before.
"Hey everyone, I'm Susan Wilson, your tour guide for the next two days. I'll handle your meals and accommodations. Let's start with attendance," Susan said, smiling as she called out names.
As she called each name, passengers raised their hands.
"Sophia Garcia, Amelia Garcia?" Susan hesitated.
She spotted the stylishly dressed Sophia and Amelia at the back. Sophia wore sunglasses, and Amelia smiled.
Seeing them made Susan's scalp tingle. She wasn't scared, but she knew any conflict would reflect badly on the agency. She decided to keep her cool.
Amelia raised her hand and asked arrogantly, "Ms. Wilson, do you have a tour guide license? Are you certified?"
Susan knew Amelia was stirring trouble. She didn't have a license and was momentarily speechless.
Sophia chimed in loudly, "We paid for a reputable agency. Why send an uncertified guide? This infringes on our rights. Explain now!"
The tourists started protesting.
"We don't want an unprofessional guide!"
"Exactly, we need an explanation."
"Is this an unlicensed agency?"
Susan bit her lip, feeling uncertain. She glanced at Sophia and Amelia, who looked smug.
Taking a deep breath, Susan knew she couldn't let them win.
She picked up the microphone. "Everyone, please calm down and listen."
The tourists quieted down.
Susan explained, "I’m not a certified guide. I actually work as an accountant for the agency."
"An accountant can count money, but can you guide tourists? This is ridiculous!" some tourists grumbled.
Susan continued, "Our guide got an upset stomach and couldn't lead the tour. It's the second day of the New Year, and our guides are with their families. We couldn't find a replacement on short notice."
The tourists nodded, understanding.
"But you can't let an uncertified person take the job!" another tourist protested.
Seeing the agitation subside, Susan said, "You're right. It’s our agency's mistake. But we had no choice. If I don't step in, the tour will be postponed. Our guide won't recover for at least twenty-four hours. Everyone's time is precious. Do we really want to delay the tour and waste everyone's time?"
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