"Do you remember what you said to Daniel earlier?"
Victoria did not respond.
"You told him this was not a charity organization because he wanted to help an elderly customer."
Victoria lowered her eyes.
Eleanor continued.
"Do you understand how strange that sounds in a hospitality business?"
No answer.
"Helping people should be the foundation of this industry."
Margaret added another detail.
"We also discovered that employee turnover at this location is significantly higher than at comparable restaurants."
Victoria looked shocked.
"That's because the industry has high turnover."
"That may explain part of it," Margaret replied. "But it does not explain the consistent complaints about management."
Eleanor turned toward Daniel.
"Have you experienced similar treatment before tonight?"
Daniel hesitated.
He did not want to appear as though he was trying to get someone fired.
"I've had some difficult days, ma'am."
"That's not what I asked."
He took a breath.
"Yes. Sometimes."
"Would you be willing to explain?"
Daniel looked at Victoria.
She stared back at him.
For a moment, he considered saying nothing.
Then he remembered the younger waitress who had been embarrassed earlier.
He remembered employees who came to work anxious because they feared being shouted at.
He remembered the countless times people had quietly accepted unfair treatment because they needed their salaries.
So he spoke.
"There have been times when employees were criticized in front of customers. Sometimes people were blamed for mistakes they didn't make. A few colleagues have left because they couldn't handle the pressure."
Margaret listened carefully.
"Have you personally reported this?"
"Once. But I didn't follow up."
"Why?"
Daniel looked down.
"Because I need this job."
Eleanor's expression softened.
"That should never be a reason to remain silent when something is wrong."
Chapter 10: A DECISION NO ONE EXPECTED
Victoria finally spoke.
"Mrs. Whitmore, I understand that tonight may have created a negative impression. But I've worked extremely hard to keep this restaurant successful."
Eleanor nodded.
"I don't doubt that you've worked hard."
Victoria seemed relieved.
Then Eleanor continued.
"However, hard work does not automatically make someone a good leader."
Victoria's expression fell again.
Eleanor looked toward Margaret.
"I want a complete and independent review of this location."
"Understood."
"Every complaint must be investigated. Every employee must have an opportunity to speak privately without fear of retaliation."
Margaret nodded.
"Of course."
Eleanor looked at Victoria.
"Until that review is completed, you will be placed on administrative leave."
Victoria's eyes widened.
"You're suspending me?"
"This is a temporary administrative measure while the investigation takes place."
"Mrs. Whitmore, please. I can explain everything."
"You will have an opportunity to explain your decisions during the investigation."
Victoria looked around the room.
She had spent years making employees feel powerless.
Now she was experiencing the uncertainty she had created for others.
Margaret stepped forward.
"Victoria, we'll discuss the formal process in the office."
Victoria stood motionless for a few seconds.
Then she slowly nodded.
"All right."
She turned toward Eleanor.
"I'm sorry if I offended you."
Eleanor replied calmly.
"I'm not asking you to apologize because you discovered who I am. I'm asking you to consider whether you would have treated Daniel differently if you had known."
Victoria had no response.
Chapter 11: DANIEL'S SURPRISING QUESTION