12. Still Cleaning Out My Closet
12
STILL CLEANING OUT MY CLOSET
BASIL
D rew wasn’t happy. She knew something was up. She knew because she hadn’t gotten her promotion yet—I’d told her we were still evaluating things, which had made her extremely angry.
“Are you punishing me because your girlfriend dumped you?” she demanded.
“This isn’t me; it’s the leadership team. Thomas Greer, Felix, our head of R and delaying fifty percent of all software releases by at least ninety days. Five people in their exit interviews said they left Stratos because of your poor leadership. Six people from your team have stated during interviews that you have ignored their complaints about their managers, your direct reports.”
And they were right now receiving their severance packages from HR managers in Felix’s team.
“The result of the investigation is why your employment is being terminated,” I finished.
“Basil, I thought we were friends.”
“So did I,” I said bleakly.
She looked like I hit her.
“I’m not kidding, I’m going to talk to a lawyer and litigate until the cows come home,” she spat out angrily.
Felix didn’t even blink. “That’s your prerogative. But that would mean you choose not to sign the severance agreement, which forfeits your severance package.” He tapped the folder.
Drew’s mouth opened, then closed. Her hands clenched at her sides. I saw it then—the exact moment she realized she had no leverage.
She turned to me again, voice trembling, eyes glassy. “Basil, come on. It’s me .”
I kept my voice measured. “You are the head of engineering at Stratos and this is a professional conversation.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “I was loyal to you.”
I stared at her. “Working at Stratos requires you to do your job, and loyalty to a single person is not a requirement.”
Silence stretched between us, thick and stifling.
Finally, with shaking hands, Drew yanked the manila folder toward her and went through the contract. I saw her eyes widen at the numbers. She was getting a damn good severance package, more than she deserved, but we were doing it to buy ourselves out of any legal backlash.
She flipped to the last page and signed. Once she was done, she shoved the pen away, pushing herself to her feet. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
I met her gaze evenly. “Thank you for your years of service at Stratos. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
She let out a bitter laugh, swiping at her tears before storming out.
The door slammed behind her.
Felix let out a low whistle. “Well. That was something.”
I nodded, already standing, looking at my watch. “Townhall meeting in ten minutes! I better go before Jessie sends a search party.”