Chapter 11 #3
“Well, this is clearly a case of trying to intimidate someone reporting flagrant issues in your lab. Based on the information I've been given about what's been happening in this lab and the recording I heard this morning, there’s much that needs not only investigation but also correction. So what were you about to tell my client? Go ahead, don’t be shy.”
Banner’s smooth, controlled voice made Collins and Sampson mute. It was left to Benson to reply.
“This has gotten out of hand. We’re not here to threaten Ms. Katz. We want to ask her to refrain from any further audio recordings or from discussing what transpired today. We need time to conduct our investigation into her allegations.”
“Funny how that wasn’t how you started the conversation.
Well, I have good news. My client and I will help the police commissioner sort out everything wrong in this department.
I doubt that favoritism and the affair are the only issues.
With that in mind, we’ll ask that overtime be examined for all employees to ensure federal labor laws weren’t violated.
Then check payroll to ensure wages were paid accurately.
Employee discrimination is a given. And the alleged relationship between a subordinate and her supervisor, which is against your policy, is definitely on the list.
“We’ll pull texts, calls, and emails to determine whether my client was the only one asked to work overtime. Yeah, I believe every department will have to be examined to ensure nothing is missed. Expect months of oversight and having people up your asses.”
Banner smirked when he finished. I had to admit, I was impressed with him. His tone said he’d make it all happen.
“You’re him, aren’t you?” Benson asked hoarsely.
“Him who?” Banner replied.
“Banner Branson, the hotshot lawyer out of California. The one who can’t be beaten. You’ve never lost a case.”
“I am primarily in California, and yes, I’ve never lost a case.
So I guess that is me you’re referring to.
I don’t take cases I can’t win. And systemic injustice and corruption are my favorites.
So here’s what I would like to suggest. You allow my client to leave here, and we’ll postpone any discussions.
Oh, and, Fiona, wasn’t there something you wanted to tell them? ” Banner asked me brightly.
I stood. “Yes, thank you for reminding me. I want to give you my verbal resignation. I’ll work my two weeks, unless you decide to waive those and have me leave today with full pay.”
It was a bold, scary, and long overdue move.
I prayed that I wouldn’t come to regret it.
But it wasn’t only my talk with Keir that had led to this.
My granddad and Gal had encouraged me not to let myself be taken advantage of any more than I already had been.
The faces of three in the room with us showed astonishment and concern.
“There’s no need for you to resign. We can work this out,” Collins insisted.
“If Ms. Katz is sure she wants to resign, we should permit her to do so, and to avoid any issues arising from other quarters, we’ll make it effective immediately,” Benson announced.
“It’s your call whether to do so. However, my client will be paid for the two weeks, and it won’t be out of her accrued, unused paid time off.
That will remain intact and be paid in full within seventy-two hours of her separation from here.
Those two weeks’ wages are in addition to her PTO.
All wages due to her will be paid out in the same time period of seventy-two hours,” Banner added.
That set off a debate. Collins argued for letting me stay.
He knew how badly it would affect the lab’s evidence processing and delay prosecutions.
Benson was all for my leaving today. Mrs. Sampson was caught in the middle.
She wasn’t sure which side to take. After allowing them to debate in front of me, Banner whistled, halting the deliberation.
“We need your answer. What will it be?” Banner asked.
The three exchanged glances, then Mr. Collins waved Benson to speak.
“We believe it’s best if she makes this her last day. We’ll have someone escort you to clean out your desk, Ms. Katz.”
I knew it was a possibility, and I hadn’t looked forward to having my peers bombard me with questions for two weeks, but a part of me hated the fact that it had to end this way.
“Then we’ll wait for your representative in the hall. Don’t take too long,” Banner advised.
“You’re staying?” Benson asked.
“Absolutely. I’ll be at her side until she walks out those doors,” Banner replied.
Out in the hall moments later, with the others remaining in the office behind closed doors, I sighed.
“Hang in there. We’re almost done. You did great in there. They’re shitting themselves. I’ve been wanting to meet you, but this wasn’t how I saw us meeting. Hello, Fiona, I’m Banner.” He smiled as he held out his hand.
I smiled back and shook it. “It’s wonderful to meet you, too. And thank you for coming on such short notice. I thought Keir was nuts when he called you last night.”
“Not nuts, just motivated. Now, go ahead and let Keir know you’ll be home as soon as this is over.”
I took my phone out of my lab coat pocket and got to work on my text.