Richard walked away, leaving Daniel alone beneath the soft office lights. For a moment, Daniel simply stood there. Then his phone vibrated. Lily needed him to pick her up after school. He smiled, put the conversation out of his mind, and returned to work.
Upstairs, Clare Bennett was looking at the same financial report she had studied the previous evening. The larger number she had noticed was connected to a series of vendor payments, and the supporting documents were still incomplete. She called the finance director. I need the full approval history. We are gathering it now.
Good. Please send everything directly to me. Clare ended the call and looked through the glass wall toward the hallway. She could see Daniel in the distance carrying his toolbox. She remembered Richard's comment from earlier that morning.
He had described Daniel as a maintenance technician, as if the title explained the entire person. Clare knew better. That afternoon, she asked Daniel to meet her in a small office near the facilities department. I heard Richard spoke with you. Daniel looked at her.
He gave me some advice about me about boundaries. Clare folded her hands. Did he make you uncomfortable? Daniel shook his head. Not really.
He paused. But I do not want anyone thinking I am getting special treatment. Clare looked at him carefully. Are you? No.
Would you want it? Daniel answered immediately. No. Something softened in Clare's expression. Why?
Daniel looked toward the window. Because I worked hard for what I have. I do not want people wondering whether I earned something. Clare nodded slowly. I respect that.
He stood to leave, but Clare stopped him. One more thing, the financial records. Daniel turned. What about them? I may need your help understanding the maintenance side.
Of course, even if the review affects your position, Daniel gave her a quiet smile. Especially then Clare watched him leave. His answer stayed with her. He was not asking her to save his job. He was asking her to find the truth.
2 days later, the finance department sent Clare the complete approval history. She spread the documents across her desk. The pattern was becoming impossible to ignore. Expenses had been moved between departments after invoices were processed. Several approvals had passed through the operations office, Richard's office.
Clare did not confront him yet. She requested an independent review instead. That evening, Daniel was at home helping Lily finish a school project when his phone rang. It was Clare. I am sorry to call this late.
Daniel glanced at the clock. It is fine. The cost reduction plan is still active. He was quiet. I figured your position is still listed.
Daniel took a slow breath. Okay. Claire waited for anger, but none came. I want you to know something, she said. I am not going to protect your job because of what happened between us.