"But what if somebody signs something before the concern gets reviewed?"
Rachel took a breath.
"That's difficult."
I could hear papers moving on her desk.
She continued.
"We can send a further notice to the appropriate representatives through counsel, identifying the unresolved concerns without disclosing information improperly."
I nodded.
"Would that help?"
"It might. But I can't guarantee how quickly anyone responds."
For a moment, I felt helpless.
Then I asked, "What if I see the document at work?"
Rachel became serious.
"Don't access a guest's private papers without authorization. Don't photograph confidential documents. Don't misrepresent your role."
"I wouldn't."
"I know. But you're frightened, and frightened people sometimes make mistakes trying to prevent a bigger one."
I swallowed.
She continued.
"If information is openly presented to you or you hear something during ordinary work, tell me what happened. If you believe an imminent financial harm is about to occur, there may be appropriate ways to warn the people involved without making unsupported accusations."
I nodded.
"Okay."
Then she asked something I hadn't considered.
"Does the restaurant know you're connected to the transaction?"
"No."
"Could your presence at the meeting create a conflict?"
I sighed.
"Possibly."
She advised me to think carefully about whether I should serve the table.
I agreed.
After the call, I sat quietly.
I wanted to do the right thing.
But I also wanted to keep my job.
The two goals seemed to be moving toward one another like vehicles approaching the same narrow bridge.
And I had no idea how to stop the collision.
Two days before the meeting, Rachel sent a formal follow-up through the appropriate channels.
It referred to the previously reported discrepancy and requested confirmation that the revised disbursement instructions had been independently verified.
She didn't accuse Whitmore of a completed fraud.
She didn't claim to know what Mr. Lam intended to sign.
She simply identified a serious unresolved concern and asked that it be reviewed before funds were released.
The response was limited.
One recipient acknowledged receipt.
Another said the matter would be considered.
No one provided the approval record.
No one contacted me directly.
The transaction appeared to be proceeding.
Then, on the morning of the private dinner, Paul Donovan posted the service assignments.
Teresa read them first.
She looked toward me.
Her face changed.
"Naomi."
I turned.
"What?"
She pointed toward the sheet.
I stepped closer.
Private Dining Room One.
Whitmore party.
Primary server: Naomi Bennett.
I stared.
For a moment, I thought about asking to be reassigned.
Then Paul appeared behind us.
"Problem?"
I turned.
"Mr. Donovan, could I take another section today?"
He frowned.