Chapter 6 - The Phone That Lied
“That's not my phone,” Nora told the foundation attorney.
The woman on the video call, Patrice Cole, adjusted her glasses. “Every employee receives a tablet identity when hired.”
“I haven't received a tablet. Nobody even showed me where the mop closet was until yesterday.”
Graham sat beside Richard, uninvited. “This is precisely why we vet staff.”
“Then vet the login,” Nora said. “Check where the picture was sent from.”
Patrice looked at Richard. “We can preserve the access logs.”
“Do it,” he said.
Graham's smile flickered. “For a housekeeping misunderstanding?”
“For a false accusation against an employee,” Richard replied.
Nora was suspended with pay while the review continued. She sat on her unpacked suitcase and tried not to calculate how many nursing-school credits each lost week would cost.
Madison appeared at her door. “For what it's worth, that account was opened before your start time.”
“How do you know?”
“I asked IT. They said I shouldn't have access, which isn't the same as saying I didn't hear the answer.”
“Will you tell Patrice?”
Madison stared at her painted nails. “If Graham knows I asked, he'll go to Dad.”
“You're twenty-seven.”
“I know my age.”
“Then you know you get to decide what kind of adult you are.”
Madison left without answering.
At dusk Richard came to Nora's room and handed her a printed notice. The account had been activated from Graham's administrative office. The complaint was withdrawn.
“I'm sorry,” he said.
“This isn't finished.”
“No.” He looked toward the upper floor. “Elaine's coming home tomorrow. She's asking for you.”
May you like
Nora almost said no. But the woman had called for a blue folder before she collapsed.
As Richard turned away, his phone vibrated again. A message appeared from Graham: The foundation board votes Friday. Keep the Hayes girl away from the records until then.
