GREEN STATUS

THE PLEA DEAL

10 00 AM Floor 50 Conference Room B

The room was smaller than the boardroom but it felt heavier Elma sat at the table with a stack of files in front of her Nathan was to her left Richard at the head of the table

Across from them sat Catherine Holloway Her lawyer sat beside her

Catherine looked different No sharp suit today Just a plain blouse and no makeup She looked tired

Richard opened the folder

You’ve offered to plead guilty to one count of fraud in exchange for a reduced sentence and retention of your pension he said Do you understand the terms

Catherine nodded

Elma’s job was simple Verify that the assets Catherine listed matched what was in the system If something was missing the deal fell apart

We found discrepancies Richard said Looking at Elma

Elma opened her folder

Page 47 line 12 she said Catherine declared a retirement account with 120000 dollars Our records show 89000

Catherine’s lawyer shifted

That account was accessed two years ago the lawyer said

By you Richard said Looking at Catherine

Catherine didn’t answer

Elma turned the page There’s also a property in Lagos not listed She said Address 12 Adebayo Close Value estimated 340000 dollars

Catherine’s face tightened

That’s a family home Catherine said It’s not mine

It’s under your name Elma said

Richard closed the folder

Then we have a problem he said

Catherine’s lawyer leaned forward My client is willing to amend the declaration She wants this over

Richard looked at Elma Elma

Elma checked her notes If she amends it and returns the funds within 30 days the deal holds she said

Catherine stared at her For a long time neither of them spoke

Then Catherine nodded Fine I’ll amend it

Richard stood Meeting adjourned

As Catherine was led out she stopped and looked at Elma

You think you won she said Quietly

Elma met her eyes I think the truth did

Catherine’s mouth twisted But she said nothing and walked out

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12 30 PM Floor 50 Kitchenette

Nathan found Elma staring out the window with a cup of cold coffee

You okay he asked

Elma didn’t turn around Yeah

That was rough Nathan said Watching her

It wasn’t about her Elma said It was about what she did It’s different

Nathan nodded Still hard

Elma turned around Did I do the right thing

Nathan smiled You did the honest thing There’s a difference

Elma looked down at her hands They weren’t shaking anymore

Thanks she said

Nathan leaned against the counter So What’s next

Elma thought about it There are still three departments with flagged contracts she said I want to finish the review

Richard will like that Nathan said

I’m not doing it for him Elma said I’m doing it so no one else starts where I started

Nathan nodded That’s why you’re still here

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4 00 PM Floor 50

Elma was back at her desk when a message popped up on her screen

Meeting with Chairman 5 00 PM

She closed her laptop and headed to Richard’s office

Richard was standing by the window when she entered

You handled yourself well today he said

Thank you Elma said

Richard turned around I’ve been watching you Elma For six months you’ve done more than most people do in two years

Elma waited

I’m offering you a permanent role Richard said Executive Assistant to the Chairman Salary triple what you’re on now Benefits included

Elma blinked That’s a big step

It is Richard said But you’ve earned it

Elma thought about floor 12 About the flickering light About the nights she wasn’t sure she’d eat

Yes she said

Richard smiled Good Start Monday

As she left Richard said One more thing

Elma stopped

Be careful he said Power changes people Don’t let it change you

Elma nodded I won’t

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6 00 PM Outside Hayes Corp

Destiny was waiting again This time with balloons

Are you serious Destiny asked

Elma held up the contract Permanent role

Destiny screamed and hugged her People stared but Elma didn’t care

You did it Destiny said You actually did it

Elma looked up at the tower It didn’t feel like a prison anymore

No she said We did it

Destiny grinned What now

Now I go home Elma said And I sleep for twelve hours

Destiny laughed Deal

They walked away together

Inside the building the lights were still on

But for the first time Elma wasn’t afraid of what was inside them