Chapter 17 - The Cost of Telling the Truth
Claire agreed to a recorded interview with the independent investigator, accompanied by counsel. She admitted altering the place cards, pressuring Theo to print them, and releasing a shortened version of the cake video.
"Did you plan to push Jada?" the investigator asked.
Claire stared at the table. "I wanted a public confrontation. I put my hands on her. I did not expect the cake."
"Who told you to replace the artists?"
"Martin. He said the old program was dying and that the money would save it."
"Did you receive money personally?"
"A bonus was promised. None reached me."
Her admissions did not clear her or guarantee protection from civil or criminal consequences. She signed a statement, surrendered her work devices for forensic review, and left through a side exit.
When Jada heard what Claire had said, she expected triumph. Instead she pictured that first second after the shove, when there was still time to step back.
"I gave her the footage she wanted," Jada told Malik.
"She chose to edit it," he replied. "You can regret your part without taking responsibility for hers."
The board called another emergency meeting. With the auditors' documents and Claire's statement, the trustees removed Martin from financial authority pending a formal vote. Claire's contract was terminated, subject to the foundation's procedures and legal review.
Martin's lawyer announced he would challenge every finding.
"Let him," Eleanor said. "He can challenge documents. He cannot demand we stop reading them."
A second hearing was set for the property injunction. But then the grant administrator delivered news: unless the foundation proved it could fund stipends within five business days, the residency award would be withdrawn.
May you like
Twelve artists had five days left to learn whether their promises would be kept.
