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I handed the paper back to Carl and, taking my wallet out of my purse, I headed toward the counter. I pointed to the hand pies, which were fairly small. “I want three of the apple, please.” I handed the woman a ten and she gave me back three-fifty in change. Then, carrying the plate, I returned to the table.
Bree was in the middle of telling Carl and Laurence about the disastrous trip to Lake Constance, and how the hikers were now threatening to sue her. “I brought all the waivers I asked them to sign, and the contract for the agreed-upon hike. I wasn’t sure what else you would need.” She handed them the folder of signed papers.
“I’m so glad you keep records,” Carl said, leafing through them. “Have they served you with anything actionable?”
Bree frowned. With a sigh, she handed them a manila envelope. “I think so. I received this yesterday. The man said it was a summons, but he wasn’t a cop or anything.”
“Cops won’t issue court summonses. Not civil ones.” Laurence opened the envelope as I began to eat. “What do we have here? It’s a formal letter from their lawyer.”
“Then they’re bringing a lawsuit against me?” Bree asked, dejection washing over her face.
“Not yet. They’re threatening a lawsuit if you don’t settle out of court with them. They want fifty-thousand dollars or they’ll see you in court,” Laurence handed the letter to Carl.
“Is there anything that you can think of to back up their claims that you led them on a dangerous journey without properly preparing them for the difficulty of the situation? Because that’s their claim.” He handed the page to Bree and let her scan it.
She sputtered. “I told them it was a difficult hike, suitable for extremely seasoned hikers. They insisted they could handle it. That’s why I brought out the waivers. It’s all there, in writing. While I can’t tell someone that they aren’t capable of hiking a given destination, I can warn them in the wavier. I learned long ago to get everything in writing thanks to watching Judge Judy.”
Laurence chuckled. “She’s quite the broad, I’ll give her that. I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side. But, let me ask you this: isn’t it your responsibility to refuse to take beginners?”
“What do you mean? I spell out the dangers involved that I know of. I don’t sugarcoat it. I ask them several times if they want a full hike or the easy route. I always have an easier version planned, even if it doesn’t end up at the same destination. This group insisted on the full experience. I warned them that it was grueling, and that few people ever make it all the way.”
“And they all consented?”
“Look through the waivers,” Bree said. “I struggled with my conscience, but in the end, they were dead set on going on the full hike, so I agreed, with the caveat that they would obey me, and that if things got too rough, we’d turn back on my word over theirs.”
“Well, this should be straightforward enough. Do you have any other contact info? And we’ll want a full copy of the description of the hike.” Carl opened his briefcase and slid the papers in. “I assume you’re okay with us keeping these?”
Bree agreed. “Sure, just don’t lose them.”
“We won’t. I doubt if this will reach court. When we point out that what they’re trying is basically extortion, I think we’ll convince them to back off.”
“I think Carl’s right on spot,” Laurence said. “Look what I found—shooting it to your phone, Laurence.”
“What is it?” Carl asked.
“Check out the plaintiffs.”
Carol studied his phone for a moment. “Oh, well then. Apparently your client has a habit of approaching various indie tour guides, then looking for the hardest excursion of all, booking her ‘entire family’ and then suing the company.”
“Well then, that should be easy enough to use as leverage?” Bree asked, her eyes hopeful.
“Chances are our letter to her will result in her dropping the suit.” Carl said. “We’ll know more tomorrow. Meanwhile, don’t be too worried. We’ll call you tomorrow.”
And with that, they excused themselves and headed out of the building.
Bree looked at me. “Well, maybe…just maybe, they’ll take care of this before I have to spend a penny. That would be a huge relief.” She paused, then said, “You look a million miles away. I’d ask, but I already know.”
“It’s just so convoluted. Crap, tomorrow Grams and I have to go to my cousin’s wake. May and Bran are busy. I want someone to stay with the cats and Fancypants.” It hit me that things were snowballing. “I think…I’ll have to cancel. Grams won’t be happy, but she’ll understand.”
“You go,” Bree said. “I’ll come over and housesit.”
“You’re kidding—don’t you have work?”
“No, remember I’m closed on weekends during autumn and winter. And I don’t have any hikes scheduled.” Bree finished her coffee. “What time do you want me there?”
Grateful that she was such a good friend, I said, “Nine, if you can. We have to head out around eleven, if not earlier.”
“I’ll be there,” Bree said. She glanced at the counter. “More coffee?”
