Chapter 11: Protect the House

The board chair removed his glasses and looked at Martin.

“Did you authorize communications with Northbridge Steel without board disclosure?”

Martin’s jaw tightened.

“I explored options.”

“Did you receive personal compensation tied to completion of this sale?”

Martin said nothing.

That silence answered more clearly than words.

Robert looked at me across the table.

“Clara, what do you want?”

I thought of Nina crying by the copier.

The warehouse supervisor standing helpless by the door.

The families whose holidays Martin had reduced to “collateral damage.”

Then I thought of my grandfather’s brass plaque.

Protect the house.

“First,” I said, “the vote is canceled.”

The board chair nodded.

“Second, Martin is removed from all company access pending investigation.”

Martin lunged forward.

“You can’t do that!”

I looked at the general counsel.

He answered quietly.

“She can.” Continue Reading ⬇️