Chapter 16 - Mark’s employment ends
Mark was fired.
Not arrested.
That surprised people.
For what crime?
He had authorized access to my schedule as part of his job.
He shared confidential information outside legitimate business purposes.
Breach of employment duty.
Security violation.
Potential civil claims.
But not automatically a computer crime because he did not hack access.
He did not know the child abuse details when he began.
Prosecutors found insufficient basis for a criminal conspiracy charge.
He cooperated.
Returned:
$20,500 he had received through a civil settlement.
Forfeited an unvested bonus under contract.
Signed a confidentiality and cooperation agreement that did not prevent truthful testimony.
He also lost eleven years of trust.
When we met once after his termination, he looked ten years older.
“I’m sorry.”
I said nothing.
He continued:
“I thought Claire was paying for convenience.”
“Then why did you hide it?”
He looked at the table.
“Because I knew you’d say no.”
There.
“Did you ever think Lily was in danger?”
“Not physically.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
He swallowed.
“I thought Claire was strict.”
“And?”
“I thought you were too soft with Lily because Amelia died.”
That surprised me.
“Did you tell yourself you were helping?”
His eyes filled.
“Yes.”
There it was again.
Everyone around me had opinions about what my daughter needed.
Few asked her.
Mark later found work at a smaller company.
No executive-security access.
Lower salary.
His life did not end.
Mine with him did.
May you like
Some relationships are consequences.
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