Laura felt the blood drain from her face. “That wasn’t my intention at all. 1 only wanted to uncover the truth”
Mrs. Parker stood, signaling the end of the meeting “I think you’ve done quite enough uncovering. Ms. McKenna. I suggest you return to your assigned duties and leave matters of company security to those qualified to handle thern.”
As Laura left the office, her mind was reeling. How could Mrs. Parker dismiss her evidence so easily? Unless… a terrible thought occurred to her. What if the corruption went even higher than she had suspected?
The next morning, Laura arrived at work to find her world turned upside down. Her computer wouldn’t accept her login credentials. Confused and worried, she checked her email on her phone, only to find a message from HR that made her blood run cold.
The email informed her that she had been suspended pending an investigation into “breach of confidentiality and unauthorized access of company records.” Laura felt the floor drop out from under her,
In a daze, she made her way to Mr. Simmons‘ office, determined to confront him. She found him at his desk, a smug smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Ah, Ms. McKenna,” he said, his voice dripping with false concern. “I was wondering when you’d show up. I trust you’ve received the email from HR?”
Laura’s hands clenched into fists, “What is this about, Mr. Simmons? You know I didn’t do anything wrong. 1 was trying to expose the real wrongdoing in this company!”
Simmons leaned back in his chair, looking maddeningly calm. “Oh, Laura. Did you really think you could go poking around in things. that don’t concern you without consequences? You should have stuck to filing and data entry like a good little temp
The realization hit Laura like a punch to the gut. “You… you’re all in on it, aren’t you? Even Mrs. Parker…”
Simmons‘ smile widened. “Let’s just say that in business, things are rarely as black and white as they might seem to someone of your… limited experience.”
Laura felt a surge of anger. Thave evidence. Proof of what you’ve been doing. I could go to the authorities.”
For the first time, a flicker of concern crossed Simmons‘ face. But it was quickly replaced by a cold, calculating look. “Evidence? You mean the files you illegally accessed on my computer? The private conversations you eavesdropped on? Go ahead, take that to the police See how quickly you find yourself facing charges for corporate espionage.”
Laura’s confidence faltered. She hadn’t considered how her own actions might be perceived. Simmons saw her hesitation and pressed his advantage
“Face it, Laura You’re out of your depth here. My advice? Take your severance package and forget everything you think you know. Trust me, it’s better for everyone that way.”
As if on cue, two burly security guards appeared in the doorway, Simmons nodded to them. “Please escort Ms. McKenna from the premises. She’s no longer employed here.”
Laura felt numb as the guards led her out of the office. Employees stared as she was marched through the warehouse, whispers and pointed fingers following in her wake. She caught a glimpse of Sarah from accounting, who quickly averted her eyes.
As Laura was escorted to her car, the full weight of what had happened began to sink in. She had been naive to think she could expose the truth without repercussions. The corruption ran deeper than she had ever imagined, reaching to the highest levels of management…
CHAPTER FIMENTY SEVEN The Truth Hidden Beneath
Laura drove home in a daze, her mind racing with the implications of what she had uncovered. As she pulled into the driveway of Jen’s house, she realized she had no idea what to do next,
Inside, she found Jen in the kitchen, preparing dinner. One look at Laura’s face told Jen something was terribly wrong.
“Laura? What happened?” Jen asked, setting down the knife she’d been using to chop vegetables.
Laura collapsed into a chair at the kitchen table, her shoulders slumping. “I’ve really messed up, len. I thought I was doing the right thing, but…. God, I’ve been so stupid.”
Over the next hour, Laura recounted the events of the past few weeks – her suspicions, her investigation, and the disastrous meeting with Mrs. Parker. Jen listened with growing alarm, her eyes widening as Laura described her confrontation with Mr. Simmons and subsequent dismissal.
“Jesus, Laura,” Jen breathed when she had finished. “This is serious. What are you going to do?”
Laura ran her hands through her hair, frustration evident in every line of her body. “I don’t know. I have evidence of their wrongdoing, but Simmons is right- the way I obtained it was… questionable at best. If I go to the authorities, I could end up in trouble too.
len paced the kitchen, her dinner preparations forgotten. “But you can’t just let them get away with this, can you? There must be someone you can talk to, some kind of whistleblower hotline or something?”
Laura shook her head. “I’m not sure. Even if there is, how do I know they’re not in on it too? This goes all the way up to the General Manager, Jen. Who knows how far it extends?”
They discussed various options going to the media, reaching out to a lawyer, even considering whether Laura should just cut her Jesses and walk away. But each potential solution seemed traught with its own dangers and uncertainties.
As evening fell, Laura found herself sitting on the porch, staring out at the darkening sky. The weight of her discovery pressed down on her, along with the crushing realization of how powerless she truly was.
She had wanted so badly to prove herself, to show that she was more than just a temporary worker. Instead, she had stumbled into a web of corruption that threatened to entangle her completely.
As the first stars began to appear in the twilight sky, Laura felt more lost and alone than ever before. The path forward was unclear, shrouded in potential dangers and unknown consequences.
