Chapter 9 — Jason Apologizes to Robert
While his family story was changing, Jason still had one responsibility he could not ignore.
Robert.
Jason had entered his room five times without permission.
Then lied about it.
The fact that he found something important did not make the method acceptable.
Before Robert checked out, Jason approached him.
“Can I talk to you?”
Robert looked at him.
“You’re already doing it.”
Jason almost smiled.
Then became serious.
“I’m sorry.”
Robert waited.
“I knew I wasn’t authorized to enter your room.”
“Correct.”
“I convinced myself I’d only be inside for a minute.”
Robert nodded.
“Five different minutes.”
Jason looked embarrassed.
“Yeah.”
Then:
“When you reported the compass missing, I should’ve told the truth immediately.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because I was scared I’d lose my job.”
Robert looked at the brass compass in his hand.
“And lying improved that situation?”
Jason shook his head.
“No.”
William had suspended Jason’s master-key privileges.
The resort was formally reviewing his conduct.
Jason accepted that.
Robert asked:
“Do you think I should tell William everything is fine because you found the letter?”
Jason answered immediately.
“No.”
That surprised Robert.
Jason continued.
“Finding something important doesn’t turn unauthorized entry into authorized entry.”
Robert nodded.
“Good.”
Then he held out Linda’s sunrise photograph.
Jason looked confused.
“What’s this?”
“A copy.”
Robert had asked the hotel office to scan it.
Mark stood in the background at the old pier.
Waiting.
“Your mother should have it.”
Jason stared at him.
“Thank you.”
Robert smiled faintly.
“That’s separate from me still being angry about my room.”
Jason laughed.
“Understood.”