Denise switched off the flashlight. Footsteps stopped outside the archive door. The handle moved once then again. She held her breath. A phone vibrated on the other side, followed by a man's low voice.
The room is locked. I'll check Monday. Denise recognized Nathan Sloan. She remained still until his footsteps faded, then photographed every page and slid the original file beneath her coat. When she returned upstairs, she saw a new security camera mounted above the archive elevator.
Gordon was no longer only removing Julian. He was searching for the evidence that explained why. Monday morning, Camille received a facilities email announcing the upcoming contractor transition. Julian's name did not appear, but she understood immediately. She found him in a second floor mechanical room checking a breaker panel.
21 days, she asked. Julian kept working. News travels fast. You knew, Denise warned me. And you were not going to tell me.
He shut the panel. What would you have done? Asked questions. That is exactly what I did not want. Why?
Why? Because Gordon might be offended. Because men like Gordon do not punish the person asking. They punish whoever that person cannot afford to lose. Camille stared at him.
You mean Sophie? I mean everyone. He removed his gloves. My team has mortgages, children. One man is caring for his mother after a stroke.
If Gordon believes I am using you to fight him, he will make sure none of them work in this city again. So you let him win. I keep people safe. By dismissing him, Julian's control cracked. You think standing in a boardroom and being right protects you.
It does when your name is on the building. It does not when your name is on a time card. The words hit harder than he intended. Camille's face changed, not with anger, but hurt. Julian looked away.
I'm sorry. Do not apologize for telling me what you believe. It is not what I believe about you. Then let me prove it. He shook his head.
I cannot ask you to risk your company over a maintenance contract. Maybe it is not about the contract. Silence filled the room. Camille stepped closer. Maybe I am tired of pretending I come down here because the elevators are slow.