At the time, Marcus had been using his phone to check the delivery schedule.
He had left the recording function running after receiving a call.
The audio captured Richard discussing payments that appeared to be missing from the restaurant's accounts.
Marcus had listened to the recording several times.
He did not understand every financial detail, but he recognized several names and amounts.
One sentence had particularly concerned him.
Richard had said:
"Just move it through the supplier account. Nobody at headquarters checks every individual invoice."
The accountant had responded:
"And what about the employees' overtime payments?"
Richard answered:
"Keep the figures as they are. They won't know the difference."
Marcus had been shocked.
He had saved the recording because he thought it might be important.
He had not shared it with anyone except Kevin, who had worked in the accounting department before resigning.
Kevin had told him to keep the file safe.
Now Margaret was sitting directly across from Richard.
Marcus realized that the moment he had feared might finally have arrived.
CHAPTER 6: THE MANAGER'S DEMAND
Richard leaned forward.
"Mrs. Whitmore, I understand there have been some questions about the restaurant's performance."
Margaret nodded.
"Yes."
"Let me assure you that everything is under control."
"That's interesting."
Richard smiled.
"We've had an excellent quarter. Customer satisfaction is improving, and our financial position is stronger than ever."
Margaret looked at him.
"Then you shouldn't have any difficulty explaining the discrepancies in the supplier accounts."
Richard's smile disappeared.
"What discrepancies?"
Margaret took out her phone.
"I received a report this morning."
Richard quickly regained his composure.
"There may be some accounting adjustments. These things happen in large organizations."
"Adjustments?"
"Yes. Nothing unusual."
Margaret placed her phone on the table.
"I would like to see the original invoices."
Richard nodded.
"Of course. I'll arrange that."
"Today."
"Certainly."
Margaret continued.
"And I would like to speak privately with several employees."
Richard shifted in his chair.
"May I ask why?"
"Because I want to understand how this restaurant operates."
"Naturally. But perhaps we should arrange that through management."
Margaret raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Richard forced a smile.
"To avoid unnecessary confusion."
Margaret looked at him for several seconds.
Then she said something that made his expression change.
"Richard, I own this company. I don't need permission to speak with its employees."
Richard looked down.
"Of course, Mrs. Whitmore."
At that moment, Marcus approached with a glass of water.
He placed it on the table.
Richard glanced at him.
"Marcus."
"Yes, sir?"
"Come here."
Marcus stepped closer.
Richard pointed toward the service station.
"Bring me the latest staff schedule."
"Certainly."
"And bring your phone."
Marcus froze.
"My phone, sir?"
"Yes. I need to check something."
Margaret looked between them.
"Why do you need his personal phone?"
Richard smiled.
"Just a routine matter."
Margaret's voice became firmer.
"I don't believe an employee's personal phone is part of a routine management inspection."
Richard looked uncomfortable.
"Mrs. Whitmore, it's an internal issue."
"Then explain it."
Richard did not answer.
Marcus stood silently.
He understood that Richard knew about the recording.
And he knew that the manager wanted it destroyed.
CHAPTER 7: THE PHONE THAT HELD THE TRUTH
Richard stood up.
"Marcus, come with me for a moment."
Marcus looked toward Margaret.
She gave him a small reassuring nod.
"Is there something you need to discuss with him?" she asked.
Richard answered quickly.
"It's a staff matter."
Margaret replied:
"Then we can discuss it here."