Chapter 19 - What an Apology Can't Fix
Weeks passed before any formal charges were announced. Investigators obtained financial records and interviewed employees. Carlo and Pike faced allegations concerning false invoices and diverted funds; both denied wrongdoing through their attorneys. Vanessa, represented separately, acknowledged to investigators that she'd paid Leo to switch Michael's drink and helped arrange the misleading publicity. The criminal questions were still being reviewed.
The damage wasn't repaired by a confession. There were still affidavits, frightened staff and people waiting for rooms.
Leo found another bartending job at a hotel across town. He called to apologize without asking me to declare him forgiven.
"I should have said no at the beginning," he said.
"Yes," I answered. "But you told the truth after. Keep doing that."
Luca visited our apartment to apologize for the threats made by people in his household. Dad served coffee and made him sit at the kitchen table.
"I let people use my name to scare you," Luca said. "I'll live with that."
Dad nodded. "Then make sure the next employee doesn't need a friend to get heard."
Luca promised a review of employment complaints and independent reporting channels. I watched him write the details down. A promise would mean more when someone could test it.
I accepted a Harbor Steps job coordinating volunteers and arrivals. The pay was lower, but the work was mine to choose.
On my last day in uniform, Mrs. Alvarez handed me a new name badge.
EMILY CARTER - RESIDENT SERVICES.
May you like
I rubbed my thumb over the letters, afraid to believe they were mine until I heard Michael call from the doorway.
"You're going to want to see the calendar," he said.
