Mr. Jessup Gets a Warning

By Beej & Atonia

Mr. Jessup had just finished dusting his shelves with the large feather duster, straightening here and there and was quite pleased with his little shop. Because of its location and distance from the larger more modernistic grocery up the street he did a fair amount of business. He was also positioned so that he was able to keep up with the comings and goings up and down the street.

The little bell above the door signaled another customer and so he stuck the feather duster under the counter and turned to face…a rather angry looking young man.

“May I help you?” he asked in his soft, mild mannered voice.

"If you're the insensitive, bad mannered excuse for an owner who doesn't seem to care about customer service, then you can," Tom said, closing the door behind him, the quiet tone of his voice belying the look on his face.

 Mr. Jessup a little taken aback, “Oh I am sorry I don’t recall you being in my shop before but if something’s gone amiss I mean to make it right.” He was quite sure he’d not seen the man in his shop and had no idea what he was talking about.

 "You're right. I've never set foot in this place before, and as soon as i finish my business with you, I doubt that I ever will again. My name is Tom Young by the way, and you almost met my fiancé, Tori the other day."

 “I’m afraid Mr. Young you have me at a disadvantage, I do not know what you are referring to.”

"How about I jog your memory," Tom replied, taking a step closer to Mr. Jessup. "Or maybe you make a habit of slamming you door in the face of would-be customers of your little emporium here."

Mr. Jessup’s mouth fell open, how dare this young man…slamming the door, “Are you referring to the young woman with the dog?  I did try to tell her she was not to bring the dog in here, I cannot have dogs in my store there are foodstuffs here. I explained that to her but she wouldn’t listen to me and was going to bring the dog in anyway, I’m afraid…I’m sorry but the dog I can’t have dogs in here and she would not take no for an answer.”

"Boomer isn't just any dog. He's a service dog, and as such is permitted to accompany his 'charge' into stores where animals aren't usually allowed." As for my fiancé refusing to listen to you...the fact that she's deaf might have something to do with it.  Boomer acts as her ears, and if you hadn't been so fast in pushing her away from this dump of a store, she would have explained it to you."

“Oh…I am sorry I had no idea…oh dear.” Mr. Jessup began nervously adjusting things on his counter, “I never thought a deaf person would have a dog, blind people but not deaf. I guess I owe you and your fiancé an apology Mr. Young. Of course she and her dog would be um welcome anytime in my shop.” He couldn't stand the thought of a dog in his shop, but the young man was right service animals were allowed.

I'll pass that on to my fiancé, however, she doesn't forget any sleight towards her, and I can assure you that if she and Boomer return to your store, she'll let you know just what she thinks of your behaviour. She's no shrinking violet. And here's something else for you to think about, Mr. Jessup. Consider yourself lucky that I'm no longer a senior constable in the NSW police or I'd take this matter a lot further. I am, however, senior ambulance paramedic for The Glen and part of the fire force, so you never know when you might need my services...do I make myself clear?"

Mr. Jessup blinked and swallowed, “Yes Mr. Young, perfectly clear.”

"Glad to hear it. We have a nice little village here, most of us know each other, and there's a very strong sense of community. We don't suffer fools lightly, and we don't much care for gossip mongers or trouble makers," Tom smiled coldly before turning towards the door. "Oh, I'll tell Tori that she and Boomer are more than welcome to frequent your establishment...should they so wish, although you may have permanently lost a good customer. They've been made welcome in every other store in The Glen so far, even Barrett's. Good morning to you, Mr. Jessup."

Mr. Jessup blinked his eyes rapidly well he’d allow that beast in his shop he had no other choice, but who did this young man think he was…gossip monger, trouble maker, ha!