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Joshua looked at him with an uncomfortable expression. He tossed his head toward the office he’d just walked out of. “Let’s have a chat.”

“Can it wait?” Finn attempted. “I’ve got passengers who need to be picked up.”

All it took was one knowing look from Joshua to silence Finn.

So, Mrs. Waterstone had made good on her promise.

A few minutes later, Finn sat across from his boss.

“So,” Joshua said, lacing his fingers on the thin table he used for a desk, “I’m sure you know why I’ve brought you in here.”

Finn contemplated acting stupid but set that notion aside straightaway. If he had any chance of keeping his bonus, of staying in his flat for another month or two instead of living with his parents, he needed to be honest.

“I’ve an inklin’,” he stated, fighting through his roiling stomach.

Joshua nodded. “We’ve received some concernin’ feedback from someone on your bus. Seems she believes you’ve struck up a romantic relationship with a female passenger.”

Finn stared. “And?”

“Is it true?” Joshua asked.

Finn drew a settling breath. “Yes. I have.”

Joshua’s shoulders visibly lowered. “I was afraid o’ that.”

“But it’s not what you think.” Finn went on as calmly as possible. “Maisie King and I haven’t broken a single rule other than striking up a relationship, but it wasn’t on company time.”

Joshua narrowed his eyes. “You haven’t been spendin’ nights with each other? Sneakin’ away alone at different sites to be together?”

Finn let out a mirthless laugh. “That’s ridiculous. Mrs. Waterstone’s not happy with her own life, so she’s doin’ whatever she can to distract herself from it.”

Joshua stared at the mention of her name.

“Yes, I know it’s her who lodged the complaint,” Finn said.

Joshua rubbed his chin. “Well, her report is concernin’. I’d like to hear your side o’ the story, though.”

Finn, grateful that his boss wasn’t entirely taking the woman’s side, explained all that had occurred over the last week, including, embarrassingly enough, his kiss with Maisie, and ending with Mrs. Waterstone’s accusations.

“I haven’t been in contact with Maisie since,” he ended. “And we weren’t plannin’ on seein’ each other outside o’ tour hours until the end of Friday.”

Joshua nodded, clearly considering the information.

“So,” Finn asked after a couple moments in silence, “there you have it. Can you slap me hand now so we can move on? I’ve got a tour to see to.”

He made to stand, but Joshua raised a hand to stop him. “Unfortunately, that’s not goin’ to happen today, mate.”

Finn settled back in the chair, though he leaned forward, his brow pursed. “Why not?” he asked, though he already feared the answer.

“Thomas has already been sent out in your place,” Joshua said, regret in his eyes. “As of this mornin’, you’re suspended ’til further notice.”

Finn’s jaw flinched. Thomas. Of course it’d be him. “And the bonus? Me paychecks?”

“You’ll be paid what you’ve worked for, nothin’ more,” Joshua said, then his voice softened. “And I’m sorry, but there’s not a chance for that bonus now after what Mrs. Waterstone has said.”

Finn’s ears began to ring, his stress levels rising dangerously high.

Suspended. No further pay. Indefinitely.