Chapter 30 #2
“An employee stopped by her office this morning.”
“Stella?”
“I’m not sure, Rod.” Her brow furrowed.
I cleared my throat, encouraged by the turnaround in the situation and the frown of uncertainty on Dr. Waverly’s face.
“Stella got a phone call this morning from Rosemary. The timing is more than coincidental, and Stella is always eager to gossip. As for these rumors from the science department, what Alfonso Ortega claims is false and without evidence. Wyl missed classes for two weeks, and I believe Alfonso’s allegation places the event during those two weeks.
” I sat back in the chair. “Honestly, Dr. Waverly, I am more than upset by these rumors and having to defend myself. I’ve worked for this college for ten years and have done nothing to bring shame to this campus. ”
“How did you handle the situation involving Alfonso?”
“I approached Janice the moment I learned about the rumor and assured her I would file sexual harassment charges against Alfonso if the rumors continued.” I held her gaze to emphasize my point.
“She said she wanted to talk with other faculty to confirm the accusation. I gave Janice one day to respond with the outcome. I’ve had no further word. ”
“When did your conversation with Janice occur?”
“Mid-September. The rumor died down, so I assumed the situation was handled. You mentioned the rumor, Dr. Waverly, so my assumption was incorrect.”
“I understand your position, Rod. I will speak with Janice about this issue. Be aware that others may need to be involved in an investigation.”
“Nothing would please me more. An investigation can only lead to the truth. The process will emphasize the danger of spreading false rumors. It’s one thing to smear a member of the college staff.
But when a student is falsely accused by a faculty member and the accusation is not thoroughly investigated, we set a dangerous precedent. ”
“You make a valid point, Rod.”
“Dr. Waverly, the Sterlings are generous contributors. Do you know how much they donate to the college each year?”
Her eyes widened a bit at the mention of a financial connection. “Why yes. The Sterlings are quite generous. Why do you ask?”
“How do you think they would react if they learned false rumors and accusations of a sexual nature included the Sterling name? Not to mention their wherewithal to file a lawsuit against the college for defamation of character. I encourage you to handle this matter right away. That it continued this long violates everything we learned in sexual harassment training.”
Dr. Waverly frowned. “Explaining the loss of the Sterling endowment to the board of directors would be quite uncomfortable, but a lawsuit against the college would be devastating.”
“Walt and Wyl Sterling are salts of the earth. Wyl and I are close friends. As long as this witch hunt is stopped and stopped now, I can guarantee nothing will happen to endanger the college or the Sterling endowment.”
Dr. Waverly took a deep breath. “Thank you for your honesty, Rod. Obviously, I didn’t have the facts.
I will deal with Rosemary and Janice and personally handle the incident with Alfonso.
” The pen scratched across the paper as she finished scribbling the notes from our conversation.
“You are an exemplary faculty member and a role model for other division chairs. This morning's news surprised me because it is so out of character for Rod Bonner. I’m relieved to learn the details. I’ll make sure your fine reputation remains intact, and the Sterling name is cleared. ”
“Thank you, Dr. Waverly. I appreciate your time.” The outcome of the meeting satisfied me, and I stood to leave, offering my hand. Dr. Waverly stood, smiled at me as she shook my hand, and showed me out.
With each step toward the Fine Arts building, my anger increased. The information came from Stella. The more I thought about the situation, the more my face heated and my fists tightened.
I passed Stella's office in the Fine Arts building and growled, “Stella. My office. Now!”
When she entered, I directed her to a chair and closed the door. I moved to my desk and sat, lacing my fingers on the blotter and glaring at Stella. “How did you learn about Wyl and me spending autumn break together?”
“Sometimes you two aren’t as quiet as you think. I overheard you making plans.”
“Overheard? I think you’ve made it your mission to listen in on every conversation between us, hoping to dig up some dirt you can spread.
Speaking of overhearing, I overheard your phone conversation with Rosemary this morning, and it’s obvious you passed misleading information on to her.
Information she shared with Dr. Waverly.
A rumor you started, and Rosemary took it to the next level.
Dr. Waverly and I had a detailed conversation, and she understood the situation.
She will take action. I wouldn’t be surprised if certain employees didn’t lose their jobs over this. ”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Dr. Bonner.” Stella sat in the chair with a defiant stare. However, the rose color creeping up over her collar told a different story.
“Don’t lie to my face, Stella. Your conversations with Mitzi are easy to overhear. You told Rosemary I spent the autumn break with a student. Rosemary left heel skid marks on the floor as she sped to Dr. Waverly and told her.”
“You’re right. I don’t want you turning Wyl gay,” Stella snapped.
“Being gay isn’t infectious, Stella. Either people are or they aren’t. And whether Wyl is or is not gay is his business, not yours. And making false sexual accusations is a violation of college policy. I can fire you this minute if I so choose. Dr. Waverly may do it, given the factual evidence.”
“Well…uh…”
“Let me tell you something. If you don’t want to end up without a job, and you are almost to that point with me now, you'd better pay more attention to your work and less attention to other people’s lives. Giving misleading information to HR is not the way to resolve problems or influence people.”
“Um…”
“Dr. Waverly will grill Rosemary about the source of her information. You are involved. What Dr. Waverly does next is out of my hands.”
Stella stared at the floor, declining to meet my gaze.
“Yours is one of the cushiest jobs on campus. You come and go pretty much as you please. You talk on the phone endlessly. You take time off when you want. If this is a job you want to keep, I suggest you change your ways. And don’t whine to Rosemary.
” I waggled my finger at her. “After her antics this morning, if she still has a job, she will walk on eggshells around Dr. Waverly.”
Stella’s eyes widened. “Yes, Dr. Bonner. I’m sorry this got out of hand.”
“No. You’re not. You caused this mess, and you can fix the misunderstanding or face the consequences.
I’m documenting this conversation for your personnel file.
Your actions constitute a fireable offense.
But I’ll grant you a chance to redeem yourself.
Don’t blow your chance, Stella. Stop being the campus gossip, or you're gone. Now leave my office.” I scowled and pointed to the door, angry enough to fire Stella today.
But decisions made in the heat of the moment are seldom sound.
Stella opened the door and hurried from my office. I hoped this conversation ended her interference with me and my relationship with Wyl. I would not sit idly by while anyone smeared Wyl’s name and reputation.
I grabbed my briefcase and left the campus for the day. The first day back after a holiday can be stressful, but this day broke records. I sat in my truck and texted Wyl. Want company? Stressful day here.
Come to the ranch. I’ll grill steaks.
Heading your way now. Need a martini.
I’ll make a pitcher.
* * *
As I drove toward Sterling Ranch, my cell phone rang. I picked it up hands-free in the truck. “Rod Bonner.”
“Rod, this is Dr. Waverly. I tried to catch you at your office, but Stella said I missed you by a few minutes. I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
“No, Dr. Waverly. I’m driving to Sterling Ranch, so I have time to chat.”
“Good. I wanted to update you on the situation with Alfonso. I pulled Janice and Alfonso into my office after you and I met and had a rather stern conversation with them. I can’t go into details except to say the matter has been handled.
All parties will do their best to clear up any misunderstandings caused by false accusations.
I assure you this will not happen again. ”
I had been defending myself all day, and although I was stressed, I didn’t realize the weight of the boulder I carried on my shoulders. “Thank you for the update, Dr. Waverly. I appreciate your diligence and speed in handling this matter.”
“Rod, I don’t want to lose you over something like this. You’re a valued member of the college and a fine example of the diversity this college embraces.”
I blushed. “You’re not losing me, Dr. Waverly. Thank you for the sentiments and the confidence you place in me.”
“Enjoy your evening, Rod.”
“Bye.” I disconnected the call. Although I was relieved Alfonso was handled, Stella’s conversations with Mitzi still echoed in my mind. That was something the college couldn’t fix.