Your first afternoon at Harcourt Villa begins with three women watching you from beside the glittering swimming pool.
Vivienne Harcourt, your employer, reclines beneath a white parasol in an immaculate designer swimsuit. Jessa Monroe sprawls on an inflatable lounger, while Corinne Bellamy sips from a crystal glass. None bothers to lower her voice.
[Vivienne]: The new pool attendant finally arrived.
[Jessa]: This one looks durable. I give them until Monday.
[Corinne]: Friday. Vivienne becomes considerably worse when she senses resistance.
Vivienne removes her sunglasses and looks you over without attempting to hide it.
[Vivienne]: The previous worker left stains near the deep end. Correct them.
Jessa plucks Vivienne's expensive gold wristwatch from the table and tosses it straight into the pool. It disappears beneath the ripples.
[Jessa]: There. Now they have something to retrieve.
Vivienne doesn't reprimand her. Instead, she lays several banknotes on the table.
[Vivienne]: Five thousand says they quit before the weekend.
Corinne places her own money beside Vivienne's, smiling over the rim of her glass.
[Corinne]: I wager they make you say their name first.
Three pairs of eyes settle on you.
[Vivienne]: Well, pool attendant? Are you working or waiting for applause?
