Monday morning arrived.
Another week had begun.
I reached headquarters early and found Rebecca waiting with a new report.
"Margaret, finance has completed its comparison of the supporting records."
I put down my handbag.
"What did they find?"
She opened the report.
"Several entries have been reconciled. Others remain unresolved."
I read the summary.
Some differences had reasonable explanations.
Others required additional documentation.
The review team had also identified inconsistencies between certain internal approvals and the records submitted to finance.
I looked at Rebecca.
"Have we confirmed deliberate wrongdoing?"
"No. The team is still examining the evidence."
"Good. Continue carefully."
She nodded.
I asked whether Richard had submitted the remaining documents.
"Some of them."
"All?"
"No."
I closed the report.
"Then we need another formal request."
Rebecca prepared the correspondence.
Before sending it, she explained that Richard had been given sufficient time to respond.
I agreed.
The request listed the outstanding records and the deadline for submission.
There was no accusation in the letter.
Only specific questions.
At eleven, Richard arrived for a scheduled discussion.
He entered the meeting room carrying a thin folder.
"Good morning."
"Good morning, Richard."
He sat down.
Rebecca opened her notes.
"We need to discuss the outstanding documentation."
Richard sighed.
"I thought I'd already provided everything necessary."
Rebecca showed him the list.
"These items remain incomplete."
He looked at the pages.
"Some of those records are held by other departments."
"Then please coordinate with those departments."
"I can't be responsible for every administrative detail."
I watched him.
"You are responsible for the accuracy of the reports submitted under your management."
He looked toward me.
"Of course."
Rebecca pointed to one entry.
"Can you explain why this amount differs between the departmental report and the finance record?"
Richard examined it.
"That was probably a timing issue."
"Do you have documentation?"
"Not with me."
Rebecca wrote something down.
Another question followed.
Then another.
Richard's answers became shorter.
He repeatedly said that he would provide more information later.
I allowed the meeting to continue.
Eventually, he closed his folder.
"I feel as though I'm being treated unfairly."
I looked at him.
"Why?"
"Because I've worked for this company for eight years. I've delivered results."
"Your performance history is part of the review."
"Then surely that should count for something."
"It does."
I paused.
"But good results don't remove the responsibility to answer legitimate questions."
He leaned back.
"I think this has gone too far."
I kept my voice calm.
"The company will decide that after the review is complete."
Richard stared at me.
Then he said something I hadn't expected.
"I've never had to justify myself like this before."
I nodded.
"That may be part of the problem."
He looked away.
The meeting ended shortly afterward.
Rebecca collected the notes.
I remained in my chair.
I wasn't pleased that Richard was struggling.
I was concerned about the possibility that the division had been operating without proper oversight.
After lunch, James called me.
He had received reports that Richard was telling managers the review would soon be over.
"Has he been authorized to say that?" I asked.
"No."
"Then please remind everyone that no conclusion has been reached."
James agreed.
I also asked him to ensure that managers did not make changes to records without proper authorization.
It was a standard precaution.
That afternoon, Daniel called.
"Mom, Vanessa wants to meet."
I paused.
"Does she want to speak with me?"
"Yes."
"About the review?"
"I think so."
I asked whether he wanted me to meet her.
He said he did.
So I agreed.
We arranged to meet at my cottage the following evening.
After the call, I went through a few documents before leaving the office.
The photograph of Robert caught my eye.
I picked it up.
He had been smiling in that picture.
His shirt sleeves were rolled up, and there was a little dust on his trousers from the factory floor.
He never thought he was too important to speak with employees.
I put the photograph back.
Then I turned off my desk lamp.
I wanted to finish the company review properly.
But I also wanted to understand what had happened to Daniel's relationship.
The two matters were connected by the people involved.
They were not the same problem.
And I intended to keep them separate.
Click here to continue reading: PART 12: Vanessa Came to My Cottage Expecting an Apology, but the Conversation Forced Her to Hear Something She Had Never Wanted to Consider
The Evening My Future Daughter-in-Law’s Father Mistook My Quiet Life for a Reason to Humiliate Me
Part 11 of 24
