Whitney adds, “The relationship was reviewed under company policy. Safeguards were implemented, including recusal from oversight and contractual protections. There is no evidence of misconduct of abuse of authority. The employee was never a direct employee of Mr. Stone.”
No one says anything; they listen and think it over.
“I take responsibility for ensuring it does not compromise the company,” I add.
“Are we exposed legally?” Byron, one of the longest standing members, asks.
He’s an older man, early seventies, if I had to guess. Thick white hair and mustache.
“No. Appropriate safeguards were in place,” I say.
“There are no legal issues that will affect the company,” Gerard adds.
“Has the employee raised any concerns?” Sheila asks.
“The employee was never the problem here,” Whitney says. “The relationship was consensual, as Mr. Stone stated. There were outside factors that heightened the issue.”
No one else says anything, so I add, “I know this is a lot—”
“It’s just unlike you, is all,” Derek adds.
“I understand, and it’s why I wanted to be transparent. I want to be as honest as can be, which is why I am going to say that I have a horrible headache, and I am beyond stressed with this entire situation. I would appreciate it if we could discuss any matters pertaining to this next week at our regular meeting. I can assure you I will also be more prepared then, as today is my first day back in the office.”
They look around, some sharing shrugs. No one looks like they hate the idea of it.
“There’s no problem with that,” Harold says.
“If anything comes up, you can reach out,” I say.
“To any of us,” Whitney adds. “We are all available to deal with this situation in the best possible way. We are not hiding anything and will be fully transparent, but it has been a long and stressful day for all of us.”
Everyone around the table looks satisfied. It’s the best possible outcome for the day. And now I can finally breathe.
Chapter Fifty-Five
Cassius
I’m doing dishes, humming a tune that I can’t recall the name of. I woke up with it stuck in my head and it won’t go away. I scrub the last plate, rinse it, put it on the rack to dry, and shut off the water.
“Cleaning is done!” I call out as I move through the dining room and into the living room.
Cammy is pulling open the front door. Chrissy is sitting on the couch, watching her with interest.
I recognize the voice on the other side immediately.
My heart flips, and I hurry over to them.
Harmon’s eyes meet mine, but he goes right back to Cammy to finish what he’s saying
“—aren’t an apology and won’t make up for what I did, but I figure they won’t hurt.” He holds out a large pink giftbag. Cammy’s eyes narrow on him. Chrissy gets up and peeks into the bag, her eyes going wide. She shoves her hand inside and pulls out a pillow… with Dean’s face on it.
“Oh my god!” she squeals, hugging it to her chest. “You’re totally right, Harmon, it won’t hurt,” she says.
“I came here to apologize for what I did. I know it was wrong, and nothing I say will make up for it, but I will do whatever is necessary to make it up to you.”
Cammy’s eyes narrow even more. She crosses her arms over her chest.
“Promise to never do it again?” she says.