Page 29 of Exposed

“True, but they tended to be high-end. We produce three lines of product—expensive, medium, and cheap. The businesses in the region that I gave him are very high-end. Businesses incorporate in Delaware because the state laws are favorable. They headquarter or keep an office in Wilmington and the subs. They have the money and they go for top-of-the-line construction.” Todd leaned over again, warming to the topic. “Stainless-steel frame. Floor-to-ceiling. The best drywall. Real glass windows. Electrified under the counter, with LED lights. Some even have doors. Some are custom. I could go on but I won’t bore you.”

“I’m not bored.”

“Anyway, you get the gist. Even if he had fewer accounts, hecould make more money per account. I thought he could handle fewer accounts better than so many. I thought I was doing him a favor. No good deed.” Todd sighed. “Anyway, I had good reason to fire him and I didn’t like doing it, but I did it. I’m not a jerk. I’m a father, too. I know that his kid is sick. I know that he needs a job. ButIneed arep. Because if I don’t produce, then I get fired. So it’s my family or his family.”

Ray nodded, a newly determined set to his lips.

Bennie asked him, “Ray, did you discuss this decision with Todd?”

“The decision to fire Simon? Yes, I did.”

“What did he tell you about why he wanted to let Simon go?”

“He said it was sales. Performance. Like he just told you.”

Bennie kicked herself for having them both in the same meeting, because they were supporting each other’s version of the facts. “When did you have this discussion with Todd?”

“The day before he fired Simon. Monday.”

“Was that the first time you heard Todd was unhappy with Simon’s performance?”

“Yes.”

“You didn’t discuss it before that?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Why would I? He runs his people, I run mine. We’re busy. We talk twice a week, if that.” Ray shrugged, arms still folded.

“How long have you worked here, Ray?”

“Twenty years, same as Todd.”

“Do you socialize, play golf, have dinner?”

“Hell no.” Ray chuckled, for the first time. “I’m not the social type.”

Todd laughed with him. “He doesn’t even drink. And if you don’t drink, I got no time for you.”

Everyone laughed, and Bennie took advantage of the moment to check her notes. “Todd, I just have a few more questions, butthey’re specific. Simon would submit medical expenses to you for his daughter, didn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“And what would you do with them?”

“Pass them on to accounting.”

“Why would he submit them to you and not directly to accounting?”

“I’m his boss. That’s how it works.” Todd frowned again. “Why?”

“Did you ever make a remark to Simon about the amount of the expenses?”

“No.”

Bennie kept a poker face. She had been hoping that Todd wouldn’t deny it and that it was an honest mistake, ignorance of the law. “Did you ever say anything like offhand, well, ‘that’s a lot of money,’ or anything like that?”