PART 7 – What My Name Was Hiding

Daniel asked the cybersecurity specialist to examine the files copied from my computer.

I remained beside the desk, watching the progress bar move across the screen.

The documents included acquisition records, financial summaries, and internal correspondence.

I had never seen them before.

The specialist found that the transfer had used my account credentials.

That did not prove I had performed it.

But it explained why my name appeared in the logs.

Gavin had been suspended, and Richard had left to contact the company’s board.

Eleanor stayed with us.

She seemed determined not to let the investigation become something that happened around her without her knowledge.

The specialist found evidence that the external drive had been connected to Gavin’s computer.

Daniel asked whether that established who had copied the files.

“Not by itself,” the specialist said. “But it narrows the possibilities.”

Gavin had already left the office under supervision.

He had not looked at me when he walked out.

I thought about the years I had spent covering for him.

I had repaired campaigns he had mishandled.

I had stayed late when he promised clients work we could not deliver.

I had accepted praise on behalf of the team and stayed quiet when he took credit for my ideas.

Now, when I needed him to tell the truth, he had tried to make me look guilty.

Eleanor approached my desk.

“You don’t have to remain here.”

“I know.”

“Your daughters are waiting.”

“I know that too.”

She nodded toward the cardboard box.

“Take your things. We can continue this later.”

I unplugged my laptop and placed it in the box.

The painted mug rattled against the headphones.

I moved it carefully so it would not break.

Nina came over and hugged me.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“You didn’t fire me.”

“I should have said something.”

I shook my head.

“You were scared.”

She looked down.

“So were you.”

I had no answer.

When I reached the reception area, Eleanor was waiting beside the elevator.

“Christopher,” she said.

I turned.

“I would still like you to come see me on Monday.”

“About the job?”

“About the work you do.”

“I don’t know anything about investments.”

“I didn’t ask you to manage investments.”

She handed me her card again.

“Come talk to me.”

I put it in my pocket.

This time, I did not refuse.

Source: kaylestore.net

Click here to continue reading: PART 8: The Choice I Made Again