Chapter 7 - The Woman Who Knew the Numbers|
Daniel Reed spent the afternoon interviewing department heads.
Richard insisted on attending every meeting, answering questions before anyone else could speak, and repeatedly describing the hotel as a model of efficiency.
The staff had a different story.
Housekeepers reported unpaid overtime. Kitchen employees described missing tips. Maintenance workers said they were pressured to sign completion forms for repairs that had not been finished.
Several employees claimed that Richard changed schedules after workers complained, then accused them of failing to follow the original roster.
Daniel took notes without making promises.
At the end of the interviews, he asked to see the payroll system.
Richard led him into the executive office.
Victoria waited in the corridor with Noah.
"You seem remarkably calm," Noah observed.
"I'm not calm."
"You look calm."
"That's because I'm trying not to throw a chair through the window."
He laughed.
"What did Richard do to deserve that?"
"He's very good at making people believe their suffering is their own fault."
Noah nodded.
"That's exactly how it feels."
A few minutes later, Daniel emerged from the office.
He looked troubled.
"Mr. Bennett, do you know anyone who understands the payroll records well enough to identify discrepancies?"
Noah pointed toward Maria.
"She has worked here for nine years. She keeps copies of every schedule because the system changes them so often."
Daniel turned to her.
"Would you be willing to help?"
Maria hesitated.
"If Richard finds out—"
"I will protect the integrity of the review," Daniel said. "I cannot promise there will be no consequences, but I can promise your statement will be recorded."
Maria agreed.
They moved to a small conference room.
Victoria remained outside until Daniel called her in.
He placed several reports on the table.
"These figures don't match the staffing records. The hotel appears to be paying for more labor hours than employees are receiving."
Noah leaned forward.
"What does that mean?"
"It could mean errors. It could mean unauthorized adjustments. We need to determine which."
Victoria studied the figures.
She noticed that overtime payments had been reduced in the same departments where employee complaints were highest.
"Look at these dates," she said. "The adjustments happen within twenty-four hours of a complaint."
Daniel examined the spreadsheet.
"You're right."
Noah looked at her.
"How did you see that so quickly?"
Victoria hesitated.
"I've worked with financial reports."
Daniel glanced at her with renewed interest.
"Professionally?"
"Yes."
Before he could ask more, Richard entered.
"What is this meeting?"
Daniel closed the folder.
"An internal compliance review."
Richard's face hardened.
"I am the general manager. I should be present."
"You were invited to provide information. You are not entitled to supervise the review."
The room fell silent.
Richard turned toward Victoria.
"And why is she here?"
"She identified a pattern in the records," Daniel replied.
Richard laughed.
"She's a homeless woman who wandered into my lobby."
Victoria stood.
"And you're a manager who cannot explain why your payroll numbers don't match your employees' hours."
Richard stared at her.
"You have no idea what you're talking about."
"Then explain the numbers."
He opened his mouth, but no answer came.
Daniel gathered the documents.
"The review will continue tomorrow. Until then, I am placing a temporary hold on changes to employee schedules and payroll records."
Richard's face flushed.
"You can't do that without corporate approval."
Daniel looked at him.
"I have it."
He showed Richard a signed authorization.
For the first time, the general manager appeared genuinely afraid.
He turned toward Noah.
"This is your doing."
Noah shook his head.
"No. It's the result of the records."
Richard pointed at him.
"You're suspended pending an investigation."
Daniel immediately intervened.
"No, he isn't. Any employment action related to this review must be approved by corporate."
Richard stared at him.
Then he turned and walked out.
Victoria watched him go.
"He's going to retaliate."
Daniel nodded.
"Possibly. Which is why I need you both to document every interaction."
Noah looked at Victoria.
"You know, when you came in yesterday, I thought the biggest problem was keeping you dry."
She gave him a small smile.
"So did I."
Then Daniel received a message on his phone.
His expression changed.
"There's something else," he said.
"The ownership office has just informed me that the principal shareholder is coming to the hotel tomorrow morning."
Victoria's smile vanished.
May you like
She had hoped to reveal herself after the investigation was complete.
Now the decision had been taken out of her hands.
