Chapter 6 - An Unscheduled Audit
With Richard Hail removed from the premises, the atmosphere in the Grand Ballroom underwent an immediate, breathtaking shift. The terror that had gripped the staff for two years began to melt into disbelieving relief.
Anna turned back to the assembled employees. Her expression softened completely, the razor-sharp edge disappearing, replaced by an authentic warmth that mirrored the portrait of her late father hanging in the executive gallery.
“I know the past twenty-four months have been unbearable for many of you,” Anna addressed them, walking down the steps from the dais to stand on the same level as the housekeepers and line cooks. “I want to offer you my personal apology. Corporate governance often moves too slowly. When leadership isolates itself in high-rise towers, men like Richard Hail thrive in the shadows between balance sheets. That failure is mine, and I take full responsibility for it.”
She signaled to Claire, who distributed a series of blue folders to the department supervisors.
“Starting today, three immediate operational directives take effect,” Anna announced. “First, every employee who suffered unauthorized wage deductions under Mr. Hail’s tenure will receive full restitution plus eight percent compounding interest on Friday’s payroll run.”
A quiet sob broke out from the second row. A young Latina woman who worked the laundry department buried her face in her apron, her shoulders shaking with relief.
“Second,” Anna continued, her voice firm and clear, “the third-party security firm hired by Mr. Hail is dismissed from this property effective immediately. We are reinstating our in-house, union-represented security personnel with full seniority benefits. And third... every employee who was wrongfully terminated or demoted under Mr. Hail’s retaliatory actions will have their record expunged and will be offered immediate reinstatement with back pay.”
She paused, looking across the room.
Her eyes searched the rows of faces. Front desk clerks, concierges, valets, engineers.
“Where is Ben Carter?” she asked.
The room fell quiet. The front desk supervisor, a woman named Elena who had worked alongside Ben for five years, stepped forward hesitantly.
“Miss Whitmore... Ben isn't here,” Elena whispered.
Anna’s brow furrowed. “Did he not receive the morning emergency summons?”
“He couldn't have, ma'am,” Elena said, her eyes welling with sympathetic tears. “Mr. Hail fired him last night at eight-thirty. His keycard was confiscated, his locker was emptied under guard, and security was told to arrest him if he stepped near the building. Ben went home last night thinking his career in hospitality was over.”
Anna closed the folder in her hands. A quiet, profound stillness settled over her features.
She looked at Daniel Reed. “Daniel, where does Ben live?”
Daniel tapped his tablet once. “Apartment 3B, 1842 Blue Island Avenue, Pilsen. Second-floor walkup above an auto repair shop.”
Anna turned to the board members sitting at the conference table. “Gentlemen, you will oversee the transition team with Claire for the remainder of the morning. Ensure the luncheon for Senator Sterling proceeds with the dignity our guests expect, but make sure the kitchen staff receives double-time for the inconvenience.”
“Where are you going, Anna?” asked Arthur Sterling, the senior board chairman, adjusting his spectacles.
May you like
Anna picked up her battered leather bag from the table, holding it close to her side.
“I have an appointment,” she said, her voice filled with quiet determination. “To settle an outstanding debt.”
