Chapter 13 - The Woman in the Cream Coat| Puit's downfall might have been straightforward if he had not made one final mistake.
On Wednesday evening, a woman named Vanessa Vale arrived at the Aster Room wearing a cream coat and a smile that seemed permanently attached to her face.
She was the regional hospitality director, the person who had recommended Puit for his position and defended him during two previous staff disputes.
She requested a private meeting with Julian.
When Lena informed him of the visit, Julian agreed to see her in his office.
Vanessa arrived carrying a leather portfolio.
“I understand you've been reviewing the restaurant's operations.”
“I have.”
“I'm concerned the review is becoming disproportionate.”
Julian gestured toward a chair.
“Disproportionate to what?”
“A single service accident. A difficult manager. Some accounting irregularities that may be administrative.”
“Thirty thousand dollars in questionable employee deductions is not an administrative detail.”
“Some of the staff may have misunderstood the deductions.”
“Eleven employees misunderstood their paychecks?”
Vanessa crossed her legs.
“Hospitality is a high-pressure environment. Managers sometimes have to make difficult decisions.”
“Difficult decisions don't require false records.”
Her smile thinned.
“Vance has worked hard for this company.”
“So have the employees he threatened.”
Vanessa opened her portfolio and slid a document across the desk.
It was a summary of Puit's performance reviews. The restaurant had consistently met revenue targets, received strong guest ratings, and attracted wealthy clients.
“His numbers speak for themselves,” she said.
“Numbers don't speak. People interpret them.”
“Then perhaps we should interpret the whole picture. The Aster Room is profitable. Guests are happy. The staff has always been difficult to manage.”
Julian stared at her.
“You believe the staff is the problem?”
“I believe some employees are exploiting your concern for appearances.”
“Appearances?”
Vanessa seemed to realize too late that she had chosen the wrong word.
Julian closed the portfolio.
“This review is not about appearances. It is about whether people were paid correctly, whether injuries were handled properly, and whether a manager used company resources for personal gain.”
“You're making a mistake by turning a routine issue into a public scandal.”
“Then the best way to avoid a scandal is to tell the truth.”
Vanessa stood.
“I hope you understand the consequences of what you're doing.”
“I understand them very well.”
She left without another word.
Julian called legal immediately.
“Investigate the relationship between Vanessa Vale and Vance Puit. I want to know who approved his contract renewals and whether she knew about the supplier payments.”
That evening, Dela noticed Vanessa watching her from the far end of the dining room.
The woman approached while Dela was resetting a table.
“You must be Dela.”
“Yes.”
“I've heard a great deal about you.”
Dela set down a folded napkin.
“I hope not all of it.”
Vanessa laughed, though there was no warmth in the sound.
“I'm sure you believe you've done something admirable.”
“I gave an honest statement.”
“And now several people may lose their jobs.”
“People may lose their jobs because of what they did.”
Vanessa studied her.
“You should be careful. Men like Julian Rock enjoy rescuing people. It makes them feel generous.”
Dela's fingers tightened around the napkin.
“Is that what you think he's doing?”
“I think you should understand the difference between kindness and attention.”
Dela looked directly at her.
“I do. That's why I'm not asking him to rescue me.”
Vanessa's smile disappeared.
“Enjoy your moment, Ms. Marsh. It won't last.”
She walked away.
Dela stood still for several seconds.
She was accustomed to being underestimated. It was almost comforting in its predictability.
But Vanessa had not spoken like a woman who simply disliked her.
May you like
She had spoken like someone who was afraid.
And Dela began to wonder what else the investigation might uncover.
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