Because later that afternoon, Thomas received information suggesting that the Meridian Project had affected more than one airline.
And Adrian Cole might not have been acting alone.
Victoria Harrington agreed to speak with investigators eleven days after Adrian was placed on leave.
Her attorney arranged the meeting.
It took place in a neutral office building in Atlanta.
Victoria arrived wearing a black suit.
There were no oversized sunglasses.
No dramatic jewelry.
No expensive handbag placed on someone else's chair.
She looked exhausted.
Thomas sat across from her.
Her attorney remained beside her.
I was not present.
Thomas later shared the substance of the interview with me through the appropriate legal process.
Victoria initially insisted that the entire incident had been exaggerated.
She claimed Adrian had merely asked her to identify me.
She said the money was for consulting work.
But when Thomas confronted her with the audio recording, her story changed.
She began to cry.
“I didn't think anyone would get hurt.”
Thomas waited.
“I thought it was just supposed to be an argument.”
“Who told you that?”
“Adrian.”
“What did he ask you to do?”
She wiped her eyes.
“He wanted me to make Daniel angry.”
“How?”
“By taking his seat. Refusing to move. Making comments about his clothes.”
“And recording him?”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
“Did you know he was an investor?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know why Adrian wanted the recording?”
“Not exactly. He said Daniel was interfering with a business deal.”
Thomas leaned forward.
“Did Adrian instruct you to spill coffee?”
Victoria shook her head quickly.
“No. That wasn't planned.”
“Then why did you do it?”
She stared at the table.
“I was frustrated.”
“Because he wouldn't react?”
She didn't answer.
Thomas waited.
Finally, she whispered, “Yes.”
The room became quiet.
Victoria continued.
“He was supposed to get angry. Adrian said he had a temper. But Daniel just kept asking for his seat.”
She covered her face.
“And I lost control.”
Thomas asked about the recording.
Victoria admitted that she had attempted to film the confrontation.
But the video had failed to capture the reaction Adrian wanted.
Instead, it showed her own aggressive behavior.
She deleted it after landing.
“Did you receive the second payment?” Thomas asked.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Adrian said I hadn't completed the assignment.”
Her voice broke.
“He told me I'd ruined everything.”
Thomas closed his notebook.
“Ms. Harrington, do you understand the seriousness of what you've described?”
She nodded.
For the first time, she seemed to understand that expensive clothes, business contacts, and social status could not protect her from every consequence.
Before the interview ended, she asked one question.
“Does Daniel know?”
Thomas looked at her.
“He knows the investigation is ongoing.”
Victoria stared at the floor.
“Can you tell him I'm sorry?”
Thomas paused.
“You can communicate that through your attorney.”
She nodded.
Then she said something I would remember for a long time.
“I thought he was nobody important.”
Thomas looked at her.
“And would your behavior have been acceptable if he weren't?”
Victoria began crying again.
She had no answer.
Six weeks later, Northstar announced the results of its internal governance review.
The Meridian Project was suspended.
Several contracts were terminated pending further examination.
The company referred relevant findings to appropriate authorities and began pursuing recovery of funds where supported by the evidence.
Adrian Cole's employment ended following the company's disciplinary process.
His attorney disputed several allegations, and any legal liability remained subject to separate proceedings.
Victoria's company faced its own financial and reputational consequences.
Several clients terminated their relationships with Harrington Premier Events.
Her attorney contacted Natalie to discuss restitution and a formal apology.
I agreed to review the proposal.
But I made one condition clear.
I would not accept money in exchange for silence about the underlying customer service failures.
The investigation had exposed weaknesses that deserved correction.
And the people who had helped establish the truth deserved protection.
Marcus Reed, the teacher who recorded the coffee incident, received a personal letter of thanks from Northstar's independent review committee.
Lauren Price was provided with information about whistleblower protections and legal support resources.
Sofia Martinez was promoted to a training position, where she helped new flight attendants understand injury reporting, conflict resolution, and passenger rights.
When I heard about Sofia's promotion, I called her.
“Congratulations,” I said.
She laughed.
“Mr. Brooks, I didn't expect to hear from you.”