The CEO asked:
“Would you be willing to speak with the external investigator?”
The analyst nodded.
“Yes.”
“Thank you.”
The CEO walked toward an empty workstation.
Then stopped.
She looked at the janitorial cart now parked near the supply closet.
The porter was wringing out the mop.
She approached.
“Can I help?”
He looked almost alarmed.
“No, ma’am.”
She smiled slightly.
“That was not a test.”
He relaxed.
“I’m almost done.”
“What’s your name?”
He told her.
The CEO nodded.
“How long have you worked here?”
“Twelve years.”
“Longer than the director?”
“Three years longer.”
She looked at him.
“Do people treat you well?”
The question surprised him.
He looked toward the glass conference room.
Then back.
“Most.”
“Most is not everybody.”
“No.”
“Will you speak to investigators?”
He hesitated.
“My company is contracted.”
“I’m not technically your employee.”
The CEO looked at the finance folder visible through the conference-room glass.
“Which company?”
“North Shore Workplace Solutions.”
Everything inside her went still.
The chairman had said North Shore provided facilities services.
But they had not yet confirmed every worker’s employment chain.
The CEO lowered her voice.
“Who hired you?”
“Originally Meridian directly.”
“What changed?”
“About two years ago, they outsourced facilities.”
“To North Shore?”
“Yes.”