The most revealing clip showed Brenda arguing with a man in a gray shirt.
The man held a phone toward her and demanded a refund.
“You told us the bathroom was inside,” he said.
“You never gave us a key.”
Brenda claimed the access code had been temporarily suspended for maintenance.
The man threatened to report her.
Brenda replied that she had his credit card details and could charge him for damages.
June shut off the recording.
“I never liked the way she talked to those families,” she said.
Daniel asked whether she would be willing to give a statement.
June nodded without hesitation.
“If she used your name to take their money, somebody should tell the truth.”
Chapter 7: The Fine Print
Priya Menon spread copies of the booking documents across her office table.
The first page advertised a private oasis with exclusive access.
The second page promised on-site safety staff.
The third page listed rules for guests.
The fourth page contained Daniel’s forged signature.
Priya circled two clauses with a pencil.
“This waiver claims that guests release the property owner from liability for all injuries,” she said.
“It also states that you’ve accepted responsibility for screening the lifeguard.”
Daniel stared at the language.
“I don’t even know that woman.”
“We’re going to identify her,” Priya said.
“But first, we’re getting the platform’s transaction records preserved.”
Daniel asked whether the money could be recovered for injured guests.
Priya said that would depend on the transactions, the contracts, and the legal findings.
She was more immediately concerned about the forged signature and the claims of authorization.
“You must make clear to every claimant that you never rented the property,” she explained.
“Otherwise people may assume you knew about the business.”
Daniel pressed his palms against his knees.
“What about my own insurance?”
Priya advised him to notify his carrier and provide the evidence before a claim surfaced unexpectedly.
“And keep the pool closed until a qualified inspector checks everything,” she added.
Daniel nodded.
He had already placed a heavy cover over the water and secured the equipment room.
He hated the sight of that cover.
His father had wanted the pool to be a place where family memories were made.
Now the water felt like a witness to something Daniel had never agreed to host.
Chapter 8: Victor’s Red Shirt
The red-shirted woman was not a lifeguard.
Her name was Tessa Ward, and she worked part-time setting up banquet chairs for private events.
Priya located her through an employment advertisement that Brenda had posted online.
