Chapter 5
Finding Marian Cole took less than a day.
That was not because of my father.
It was because Harrison Hale’s outside workplace adviser recognized the name.
Dr. Marian Cole had spent the last fifteen years consulting on organizational culture and ethics.
She had moved back to Chicago six months earlier.
And three weeks before the gala, Bellweather Grand had hired her firm.
I stared at Harrison across a conference table the following afternoon.
“You hired my mother’s old friend?”
“I didn’t know she was your mother’s friend.”
“Why did you hire her?”
“Our board ordered a review after employee turnover increased.”
“Did Preston know?”
Harrison’s jaw tightened.
“Yes.”
Everything clicked into place a little too neatly.
Preston had six known complaints.
Probably more.
An outside consultant had been brought in.
Then a woman looking inexpensive arrived at a gala.
Someone texted Chase and encouraged Preston to reveal exactly how he behaved when he believed there would be no consequences.
Ethan, seated beside me, reached the same conclusion.
“It was a test.”
Harrison looked sick.
“That is what I am beginning to think.”
I stood.
“A test using me.”
“Claire—”
“No.”
My anger arrived finally.
Not explosive.
Clear.
“Somebody knew who I was. Somebody knew my father would come if provoked. Somebody used me to expose Preston.”
Harrison nodded.
“If that is what happened, it was unacceptable.”
“Yes.”
Ethan stood too.
“Where is Marian?”
Harrison checked his phone.
“Her office downtown.”
I looked at Michael.
He had come with me but remained at the far end of the room.
Old Michael would already have made the decision.
He would have had a car waiting.
People calling.
Doors opening.
Instead he asked, “Do you want me there?”
May you like
I appreciated the question enough that it hurt.
“Yes.”
