Samuel studied him.
"Are you certain?"
Daniel's expression remained controlled.
"I have met some people in the industry, sir. It's a relatively small professional community."
"Have you met the managing director of that company?"
Daniel paused.
"Yes. Socially."
"Recently?"
"A few months ago."
Samuel nodded.
"Did you discuss this organization?"
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
"Only generally."
"What does generally mean?"
"We spoke about the industry. Opportunities. Nothing specific."
Samuel did not immediately respond.
Evelyn turned a page in her folder.
"Mr. Carter, did you discuss the regional development contract with him?"
Daniel looked at her.
"I don't recall discussing a particular contract."
Evelyn's expression remained neutral.
"Did he tell you that his company was expecting to receive business from this organization?"
Daniel hesitated.
"He may have mentioned that they were interested in submitting a proposal."
Samuel looked at him.
"And did you encourage him?"
"I don't think I did anything inappropriate."
"That wasn't my question."
Daniel's face became tense.
"I don't believe I influenced the decision in any way."
Samuel nodded slowly.
"Then I hope you will have no difficulty cooperating with the investigation."
"Of course not."
Daniel forced a smile.
"I have nothing to hide."
Samuel returned his attention to the documents.
"Good."
But Daniel could no longer concentrate.
He remembered the dinner.
He remembered the managing director's comments.
Most importantly, he remembered the conversation in which he had mentioned that the organization needed leaders who understood the importance of private-sector partnerships.
The man had laughed and told him that they should stay in touch.
Daniel had not thought much about it.
Now he wondered whether the conversation had been recorded somewhere.
He looked toward Evelyn.
She had already moved on.
The meeting continued.
After reviewing the reports, Samuel invited the candidates to discuss how they would approach the organization's problems if given the opportunity to lead.
One candidate proposed a complete restructuring of the management team.
Another suggested implementing a new performance evaluation system.
A third argued that the organization needed stronger financial oversight.
All three made reasonable points.
Samuel listened patiently.
Then he turned toward Amara.
"What would you do first?"
Amara considered the question.
"I would listen."
Daniel almost smiled.
Listen?
That was her strategy?
Samuel waited.
Amara continued.
"I would meet the people who are affected by these problems and ask them what they have experienced. I would want to understand what is happening before making decisions."
"And after that?"
"I would establish what is true, identify where responsibility lies, and make sure the people affected receive support."
"What if the investigation takes months?"
"Then I would make sure that essential services continue while it happens."
"And if people become impatient?"
"I would explain what we know, what we don't know, and what we are doing to find the answers."
Samuel nodded.
"Would you dismiss anyone?"
"If the evidence showed that someone had deliberately abused their position, I would support appropriate disciplinary action."
"Even if that person had been with the organization for twenty years?"
"Yes."
"Even if that person was a close colleague?"
Amara paused.
"That would make the decision more difficult emotionally, but it shouldn't change the standard."
Samuel watched her.
"And if the person was your superior?"
Amara looked directly at him.
"The same principle would apply."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Samuel slowly nodded.
"Thank you."
He turned toward the others.
"Leadership is not simply the ability to make decisions. It is the willingness to accept the consequences of those decisions."
He looked toward Amara once more.
"Sometimes the most difficult decision is the one that costs you something personally."
Amara lowered her eyes.
She understood that better than she wanted to admit.
***
The meeting was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Evelyn looked toward the entrance.
"Come in."
A middle-aged man wearing a dark suit stepped into the room.
He carried a leather folder and appeared slightly out of breath.
"Evelyn, I'm sorry to interrupt."
She stood.
"What's happened, Richard?"
The man glanced toward Samuel.
"Mr. Whitmore."
Samuel nodded.
"Richard."
The newcomer approached them.
"My apologies, but we have a situation that requires immediate attention."
Evelyn frowned.
"What kind of situation?"
Richard opened his folder.
"It's concerning the eastern district. The learning center in Brookfield has temporarily suspended its afternoon program."
Amara immediately looked up.
"Why?"
Richard glanced at her, surprised by the question.
Then he turned toward Evelyn.
"They haven't received the educational supplies scheduled for delivery last month. The center's coordinator has informed us that several classrooms no longer have sufficient materials."
Samuel's expression changed.
"How many children are affected?"
"Approximately eighty."
The elderly man closed his eyes briefly.
"Eighty children."
Richard nodded.
"Yes, sir."
Samuel turned toward Evelyn.
"Why am I only hearing about this now?"
Evelyn looked uncomfortable.
"We received an initial notification last week, but the regional office believed the delivery delay would be resolved."
"And was it?"
"No, sir."
Samuel looked at Richard.
"What happened to the supplies?"
"We're still investigating."
Samuel's voice became firmer.
"Then investigate while the children are being helped. I don't want another report explaining why something couldn't be done. I want to know what can be done today."
Richard nodded quickly.
"Understood."
Samuel looked around the room.
Then his gaze settled on Amara.
"Miss Bennett, you mentioned that you would want to understand what happens at the local level."
"Yes, sir."
"Would you be willing to visit Brookfield with our team tomorrow morning?"
Amara was surprised.
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes."
She glanced at Evelyn.
"Of course."
Samuel nodded.
"Good. I want you to see the situation yourself. Speak with the people there. Find out what they need and what has gone wrong."
He paused.
"Don't go there to impress me. Don't go there to prove that you're the best candidate. Go there because eighty children are waiting for something we promised them."
Amara felt the significance of his words.
"I understand."
Daniel sat forward.
"Mr. Whitmore, if I may make a suggestion."
Samuel turned.
"Please."
"I think we should consider the broader implications before sending candidates into an active operational situation. We don't want anyone interfering with the investigation or creating additional complications."