Kesha, before we finalize anything, is there something you want to tell us about your situation? The question floated between them like a lifeline. Kesha could reveal everything now, end the charade, protect herself. Instead, she closed her notebook and stood. I think my documentation speaks for itself.
She pulled a business card from her wallet, somehow still intact after her pool dunking. You might find this interesting. Patricia read the card, her eyes widening. Dr. Kesha Williams, PhD, organizational psychology, Harvard Business School. Derek snatched the card, studying it like a forgery.
This is fake. You're trying to scam us. The university registrar can verify my credentials, Kesha said calmly, along with my 47 published papers on workplace discrimination. Sarah's tablet clattered to the floor. Published papers.
Peer-reviewed research in the Journal of Applied Psychology, Harvard Business Review, and the Academy of Management Review. Kesha recited her publication history like a grocery list. My specialty is documenting systemic discrimination in service industries. Patricia stood slowly, pieces falling into place. You've been conducting research here for 11 months with full documentation, multiple witnesses, and legal representation.
Kesha straightened her damp uniform. Today was simply the culmination of a comprehensive study. Derek's face cycled through colors like a broken traffic light. You can't. This is entrapment.
Actually, it's academic research. Perfectly legal when conducted in public spaces with proper methodology. Through the window, they watched a tall, distinguished black man exit the town car. Even from a distance, his presence commanded attention. Hotel staff straightened unconsciously.
Guests turned to stare. "That would be my research partner now, " Kesha said, checking her watch. "Dr. Jonathan Williams. Perhaps you've heard of him. " Sarah's strangled gasp provided the answer.
Williams Hospitality Group, the billion-dollar company that owned 12% of Miami's luxury hotel market. The corporate giant is currently negotiating acquisitions throughout Florida. The empire that could make or break careers with a single decision. Derek's face went white as fresh bed sheets. "Impossible, " he whispered.
You're just a waitress. Kesha picked up the termination papers and handed them back to Patricia. I think you'll want to reconsider this decision. Outside, Jonathan Williams approached the hotel entrance, his presence causing ripples of recognition among the staff. The doorman nearly tripped over himself opening the door.
Victoria, still regaling her friends with embellished tales of her victory, remained oblivious to the shift in atmosphere. She basked in the attention, unaware that her 15 minutes of fame were about to become a lifetime of infamy. "Should we should we call Mrs. Ashford? " Sarah stammered. Kesha gathered her notebook.
Each page a testimony to 11 months of careful documentation. "I wouldn't worry about Mrs. Ashford. She's about to receive a very thorough education. 1 hour 30 minutes until board meeting. 45 minutes until board meeting.