A housekeeper said, “Some rooms are rushed before inspections if VIP arrivals are expected. We report problems, but they get cleared anyway.”
A cook added, “Overtime gets moved around on paper.”
Then Lupita said, “Thomas Reed found guest billing adjustments after midnight. He printed something before he was fired.”
Caldwell’s voice cut in smoothly. “Thomas Reed was dismissed for cause. I can provide documentation.”
“I’m sure you can,” I said.
His jaw tightened.
Patricia suddenly stood. Her chair scraped the floor.
“I checked the first screen only,” she said. Her voice trembled. “When Mr. Vance asked me to check corporate reservations, I pretended I had. I thought…” She pressed her lips together. “I thought he was trying to get something he hadn’t paid for.”
The admission hung in the room.
“And why did you think that?” I asked.
She looked at my jacket, then away. “Because I judged him.”
No one spoke.
Patricia wiped her cheek quickly. “That’s not an excuse.”
“No,” I said. “It’s a beginning.”
Karla pushed away from the counter. “So what happens now? We all get blamed while management acts innocent?”
Caldwell turned toward her. “Karla.”
“No,” she said, surprising everyone, including herself. “I’m tired. You tell us to protect the brand, but what you mean is protect appearances. You tell us some guests are trying to take advantage, and if we don’t hold the line, our hours get cut.”
Caldwell’s expression hardened. “You should choose your words carefully.”
Lily looked up from her drawing.
I stepped between them, not dramatically, just enough.
“She did,” I said. “That’s why they matter.”
Caldwell straightened his cuffs. “Mr. Vance, I understand emotions are high. But unverified accusations in a staff break room are not the proper foundation for executive decisions.”
“You’re right.”
He relaxed slightly.
“That’s why I won’t make the final decision here.”
His eyes narrowed.
The door opened behind us, and Daniel Park entered carrying a leather folder. He had flown in early, which meant he had found something serious enough to skip sleep.