by Leslie Wolfe
Dustin Sheppard, CTO
Further investigations will also be conducted in his case, probing into his involvement into padding technology expenses. Regardless of outcome, his employment should be terminated immediately.
Angela Prescott, VP, HR
Prescott's contribution to the media leaks will probably not attract any legal consequence, due to the media scandal that would ensue. Therefore, we would highly recommend you avoid pursuing the media leaks angle.
However, following my arrest for drug possession on July 2, after being framed by someone in the office, our team deployed a drug-sniffing dog to identify who planted the drugs in my coffeemaker and my car. The sniffing dog led us straight to her office, where we found a stash of drugs with precisely the same formulation as the packet found in my car. That matter is now in the hands of the San Diego Police Department. They have promised to discreetly handle this matter and are waiting for our approval to take her into custody.
During the course of the police investigation, we are expecting Prescott to name Walker as a partner and instigator, which will probably lead to additional charges against Walker.
Audrey Kramer, CFO
Kramer will be arrested shortly for a variety of charges, spanning from multiple accounts of fraud and SEC violations, including a charge for attempted murder, in regard to the incidents that took place in the test field on July 15.
There is a strong possibility that Kramer contacted a professional to intimidate and/or kill me. This individual is in police custody; however, he has not yet confirmed anyone's involvement, but the investigation continues. We have no reasons to believe this attack was random; therefore, we are expecting at least one of the conspirators to be named in this case.
Peter Wilson, director of Six Sigma.
Peter Wilson has demonstrated support for Walker's practices on numerous occasions. He should be made aware that in his role he needs to do what's right, at any cost, rather than taking the easy way out.
Robin Maxwell, HR Manager
Maxwell has failed in her role of HR manager by repeatedly enabling Walker during his abusive outbursts in operational meetings. She should not be kept on staff.
2. Damage Control
Restoring product quality, safety, and reliability is an immediate priority and can be executed with some investment into the operational cost structure.
There will be financial losses associated with the quality issues containment, losses driven by the destruction of all substandard components, and by the recall of all the drones that have had substandard components installed.
A recall is mandatory in this case, yet quite easy to execute. The execution of the recall could be shared with the media and used to restore the public's confidence in the company's quality and reliability standards.
A potential recall might be warranted for the GPS devices. Due to the lack of hazard associated with those potential failures, I would recommend an "as needed" recall, replacing all reported defective products with a new product, ensuring that consumers will be satisfied with the company's approach to handling the defects and spreading out, over time, the associated costs.
Finally, I recommend adding a higher security control mechanism around the self-guiding software, ensuring that only properly authorized personnel can access and control it.
3. Public Relations
The firm of Leesman & Koch has been retained to assist in this case. It is ready to proceed with the communication strategy and press releases meant to ensure that the shareholder confidence is restored as soon as possible.
Further exposure could be a possibility; however, taking immediate recall action should contain the risk and make it a non-issue.
Regarding the incidents still awaiting public disclosure of findings, the Florida incident could generate the biggest damage. Leesman & Koch will work with the company's retained counsel to ensure proactive management of the damage and reparation to the families of those killed or injured in the incident.
4. Final Notes
Note #1: Mr. Louie Blake, Senior Analyst in Infrastructure and Support, has accepted an offer of employment from The Agency. He will be starting with us on August 1st. His role in solving this case was a significant one, and he has demonstrated the rare combination of skills and personality traits needed to be successful in our line of work. We apologize for headhunting this employee away from NanoLance.
Note 2: An anti-slip coating should be applied to the main lobby floor at NanoLance Corporate Headquarters. It's very slippery, hence unsafe.
Conclusion
Restoring NanoLance to its previous state will not be an easy task, but it's not impossible.
Please count on our continued support with implementing the suggested recommendations or with any further needs you might have for our services.
Best personal regards,
Alex Hoffmann, Executive
...82
...Friday, July 16, 9:35AM
...The Agency HQ—Corporate Park Building—Conference Room
...Irvine, California
Dr. Barnaby was reading the report, in a palpable silence no one dared to interrupt. Around the table, the full Agency staff was present, Claire and Richard included. Handing a client the final investigation report was an emotionally charged event; they all knew that, while Alex was just learning.
Dr. Barnaby finished reading and quietly placed the report on the table. Then he removed his glasses and rubbed his forehead for a while, not saying one word. When he looked up again, he seemed defeated.
"How could I have been so oblivious to all this, although it was happening right under my nose? Maybe I am too old for this," he concluded bitterly.
"Let's not forget that you are not to blame for any of it," Tom said. "These were deceiving, conniving people, who worked hard to make sure you didn't have a clue."
"But it's my company," Barnaby said, his frustration building. "I should have known."
"And because it's your company, if I may suggest," Steve intervened, "we should all be focusing on fixing things right now. Blaming yourself will never yield any benefit."
"I guess you're right . . . I just struggle accepting that this entire conspiracy could build to this level without showing any sign. I should have seen something; I should have noticed something was out of order."
"But you did," Tom said, "and when you did, you came to us."
"Um . . . right," he said hesitantly, resuming the rubbing of his forehead and staring at the report. The team respected his choice for a few minutes of silence, while he weighed his options.
"All right," he said, snapping out of it, in what they had learned to be his usual instant recovery. "We have a lot of work to do today. Miss Hoffmann?"
"Sir?"
"Would you be so kind and help me deal away with these bastards? I want them out of my company today."
"Absolutely," Alex said. She had never terminated anyone, but she was not about to complain. She just hoped she would be able to handle it correctly.
"Good. I'll have my legal counsel draw up the papers while we drive over there. Mr. Isaac?"
"Shoot," Tom said, ready to take notes.
"While we're handling the terminations and communicating with the authorities, would you please work with your team and Leesman & Koch to issue a recall and a communication to the press announcing the changes in leadership?"
"Will do," Tom said. "Anything else?"
"Yes. I will need your team to work with me for a little while longer, to define a strategy that will bring the stock price back up where it belongs. I can't retire now . . . I can't leave my company when it needs me the most. We need to communicate that to the press."
...83
...Friday, July 16, 11:51AM
...NanoLance HQ—Conference Room 102, First Floor
...San Diego, California
Conference room 102 was ideal for what they had to do. No glass walls and a secondary side entrance that led directly to the par
king lot. Ideal for visitors who did not hold the security clearance to be allowed to visit any part of the building.
"Who do you want to start with?" Dr. Barnaby asked.
"I'd say we start with Kramer, then Prescott, then Walker, so we won't keep our friends waiting," Alex replied, trying to smile.
Two familiar faces were seated at the table; seeing them triggered bad memories for Alex, despite their polite smiles. Lieutenant Reyes and Detective Holt were ready to take custody of Kramer and Prescott, as soon as they stepped through the door. Barnaby's legal counsel was also present.
Dr. Barnaby picked up the phone and called his assistant.
"Moira, would you please bring Audrey Kramer to conference room 102?"
"Yes, sir. On my way."
Minutes later, a confident Kramer stepped through the door. Her confidence vanished in a split second, on seeing Alex in the room, her face turning a sick, wrinkled, grayish pale.
"Take a seat," Alex offered. Kramer complied. Alex pushed a stack of papers in front of her.
"Ms. Kramer, you are hereby terminated, for many reasons I don't think I need to spend time reiterating, do I?"
A defeated Kramer looked at her feet. "No, I understand," she whispered.
"I am glad you do. Please be reminded you have signed a non-disclosure agreement and this termination does not waive that NDA. Any questions?"
"No," Kramer said faintly.
"Then we're done here," Alex said, after briefly seeking approval from Barnaby.
Lieutenant Reyes stood up.
"Audrey Kramer, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Alex Hoffmann, multiple counts of fraud, insider trading violations, and other charges. Anything you say can and will be used . . ."
The words faded away as Reyes escorted Kramer out the side door.
Barnaby picked up the phone again.
"Moira? Could you please bring Angela Prescott to conference room 102?"
Prescott entered the room with a self-confidence that did not dissipate.
"What is this about?"
"Ms. Prescott," Alex said, "we are terminating your employment, effective immediately. You have failed in your role in a multitude of ways, including the failure to stop and report the numerous dysfunctions in senior leadership. Do you have any questions?"
"We? Who's we? You're nobody! You can't terminate me! This is ridiculous," she said, standing up. "I will not take this bullshit!"
"No problem, ma'am," Holt intervened, "I will clarify it for you. Angela Prescott, you are under arrest for framing Alex Hoffmann for drug possession, for poisoning Alex Hoffmann, for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and for multiple counts of fraud. You have the right to remain . . ."
His voice also faded, while a feisty Prescott seriously, yet unsuccessfully, opposed arrest.
"Ready to continue?" Dr. Barnaby said.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Alex smiled. It made her feel good to see the bastards pay for what they'd done.
Walker entered the room next, letting worry show in his eyes for a glimpse, then stiffening his back in an aggressive demeanor.
"I'm listening," he said, pulling out a chair.
"Mr. Walker, I am terminating your employment, effective immediately. I will have a security officer accompany you to your office to get your personal belongings. The officer will then escort you to your vehicle. You will leave the premises and not come back. I strongly suggest that you do not engage in any libel or slander of the company's name, products, practices, or employees. Should you decide to do so, we reserve the right to seek compensation to the extent the law allows, and file an official complaint with the district attorney's office for repeated abuse of employees and for making threats about their safety. The officer will escort you home and secure your passport, as you will need to remain available for the ensuing SEC investigation. Questions?"
"This company would have been nothing without me, you hear?" He started his usual high-volume, threatening tirade. "Nothing!" He slammed his fist on the table. "You don't know what you're doing, or who you're playing with!"
"Mr. Walker, do I need to call the police?"
It was as if a bucket of ice water was poured on his head.
"No," he said quietly and left the room, accompanied by a security officer.
"The nasty ones are over," Dr. Barnaby said. "Let's get this over with."
Dustin Sheppard came in next. He sat down, assessing the situation in his usual, calm demeanor.
"Yes?" he whispered his question.
"Mr. Sheppard, we are terminating your employment, effective immediately," Alex said. He interrupted her, before she could continue her well-rehearsed speech.
"Why?"
"You have a deep contempt for people. You shouldn't be around people, you hate them too much, and you show it. Plus you are ineffective as a leader."
"Bitch . . ." Sheppard spat through curled lips. "I knew you were trouble from the day I first saw you."
"Happy to hear that," Alex said coldly.
The final name on the list was Robin Maxwell. She came in the room, visibly scared to see the faces around the table.
"Robin, we are letting you go, effective immediately," Alex said.
"But why?"
"As a human resources professional, you shouldn't enable the abusive behavior of any leader, no matter how senior they are. You should report abuse whenever you see it, and make sure it doesn't happen again."
"I don't understand," she whimpered, "what have I done wrong?"
"You forgot the human part of human resources. You need to care about people to do this work, and you obviously don't. You're, simply put, not qualified for the job," Alex concluded.
...84
...Saturday, July 24, 6:31PM
...Tom Isaac's Residence
...Laguna Beach, California
The neatly landscaped backyard was the setting for a celebration. Tall glasses were ready to be filled, waiting in an orderly fashion on a silver tray. A bottle of champagne, tied with a huge red ribbon, was dripping condensed water on the sparkling white tablecloth. The crowd, the entire Agency staff, was standing around Dr. Barnaby, chatting lively.
"I think it's time to pop this cork," Tom said. "Steve, please do the honors."
"My pleasure," Steve said, unwrapping the bottle. A loud pop marked the opening of the vintage Krug Brut champagne, accompanied by cheers from everyone.
Dr. Barnaby raised his glass.
"To all of you, wonderfully courageous, incredibly resourceful, and obstinately dedicated people, the best friends I have ever had! You saved my company. You have given my life back to me. I am forever in your debt," he said, saluting them with a head gesture, "and I thank you!"
Glasses were raised, to meet his, and clinked cheerfully on contact with one another.
"For you, Miss Hoffmann, a small token of my appreciation," Dr. Barnaby said, handing Alex an envelope.
"Thank you very much," she said, blushing. She opened the envelope, and took out an invitation. "Wow," she said, "thank you!"
"What is it?" Tom asked.
"It's an invitation for two to spend a month at the new Club Maxine, on Twilight Cay, in the VIP suite. Thank you, Dr. Barnaby, this is amazing!"
"But there's a catch," Dr. Barnaby said. "There will be no VIP suite on Twilight Cay for at least two more years. It hasn't been built yet. I can't leave my company now, so my real estate development plans have been put on hold for a while. Nevertheless, Club Maxine will be built, you have my word. And it will have the privilege of having you as its first guest, if you'll accept my humble invitation," Dr. Barnaby concluded.
"I will be happy to," Alex said.
"So, what happens next?" Brian interjected, switching the conversation gears.
"Now, the only way is up," Dr. Barnaby said. "There is a lot of work to be done. Restoring the public's faith in the quality of our products will take coordinated efforts among manufacturing and qualit
y, on one side, and public relations, on the other side. I am confident I have the right people in place to assist me with that. I have Brian to thank for accepting the challenge to lead the company with me, as an interim executive until we can fully replace the former executive team." Dr. Barnaby raised the glass toward Brian, in a thank-you gesture. Brian nodded his head in acknowledgment and support.
"There will probably be a congressional hearing about this," Dr. Barnaby continued. "There usually is. However, I am confident that we will be able to maintain our status as a defense contractor, once we present our complete findings and action plan. There is a lot of lost ground to make up, but it's not impossible. The UAV recall has top priority and will be finalized within a month. Until then, not a single drone is cleared for takeoff."
Dr. Barnaby paused, gathering his thoughts, letting sadness cloud his eyes.
"There isn't anything anyone could do to erase what happened, to restore the lives lost. Those unfortunate events will be a part of NanoLance's history. But I feel we owe it to everyone, our clients, and our employees, to be successful again and to redeem ourselves."
"Hear, hear," Tom said, raising his glass.
The clinking of champagne glasses and lively chatter resumed, as some headed for the food platters, and others stayed in a circle around Dr. Barnaby, talking casually.