Chapter 3 - TWENTY-THREE RECORDINGS
Alexander spent the next three days reviewing the investigation.
Daniel Cole interviewed employees privately.
Eleanor provided written statements.
Several staff members agreed to speak with independent counsel.
The findings were worse than Alexander expected.
Victoria had threatened employees.
Withheld personal belongings.
Destroyed property.
And repeatedly claimed Alexander had authorized her behavior.
One gardener had been forced to work through a severe storm.
A kitchen assistant had been threatened with dismissal after requesting time off for a medical appointment.
And Emily had been ordered to clean broken glass with her bare hands.
Alexander stared at the report.
“How did this happen?”
Daniel hesitated.
“People were afraid.”
“Of Victoria?”
“Of losing their jobs.”
Alexander closed the folder.
He had built his company by insisting on accountability.
Yet inside his own home, people had been suffering while he attended meetings and negotiated contracts.
He looked at Daniel.
“Bring in outside counsel.”
Daniel nodded.
“And establish a confidential reporting process.”
“Yes, sir.”
Alexander continued.
“Anyone who wants to leave with references and severance can do so. Anyone who wants to stay should know they won't be punished for speaking.”
Daniel made notes.
Then hesitated.
“Sir?”
Alexander looked up.
“Emily hasn't asked for anything.”
Alexander frowned.
“What do you mean?”
“Several employees have requested compensation or transfers. Emily only asked whether her job was safe.”
Alexander looked toward the window.
He remembered her frightened expression.
Her quiet voice.
Her insistence that she didn't want special treatment.
He swallowed.
“Make sure she knows it is.”
---
Emily was cleaning the library when Alexander entered.
She immediately straightened.
“Mr. Whitmore.”
“Emily.”
He glanced toward the shelves.
“Do you have a moment?”
She nodded.
He remained near the doorway.
“I wanted to tell you the investigation is complete.”
Her fingers tightened around the cleaning cloth.
“Am I in trouble?”
Alexander shook his head.
“No.”
She looked down.
He continued.
“Victoria is no longer welcome here. The household policies are being changed. And if you'd prefer to work somewhere else, we'll help you transfer.”
Emily looked up.
“You're not firing me?”
“No.”
Her eyes filled.
Alexander hesitated.
“Emily, I'm sorry you ever believed that was possible because you told the truth.”
She swallowed.
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
Then turned to leave.
“Mr. Whitmore?”
He stopped.
“Yes?”
She looked at him.
“I know you didn't have to do all this.”
May you like
Alexander studied her.
“Yes,” he said quietly. “I did.”
