Chapter 16: The People He Put at Risk

'You have put forty people's jobs at risk,' Curtis said. 'They should understand who made that choice.'

One of my employees stood and faced him.

'You threatened our jobs, Curtis. I won't let you blame Maureen for it.'

My name was Maureen Tolbert, and the board had heard his threat.

The employee held her paper cup against her chest.

Curtis turned from her to the board members.

'You are hearing Maureen's version repeated by someone who works for her.'

The employee stayed on her feet.

I did not answer for her.

Curtis had made his accusation in front of the people he wanted to silence.

Now he had to hear one of them answer.

The board chair glanced at the employee, then at Curtis.

'You threatened to take our hospital contract,' the employee said. 'That was your decision.'

Curtis let the board sit with her words.

He had spent years making his interests sound like the hospital's needs.

The employee had not raised her voice.

She had not needed to.

Bev stepped out from beside the other staff.

'They heard you ask them to support your claim about Maureen and nursing.'

Curtis looked at Bev.

'You asked them to say Maureen chose you over nursing.'

Bev's voice stayed level. The employees watched her speak.

'They refused because she never told them that.'

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