Page 45 of Prey

Cain sits at the head of the table. I sit beside him. Leo avoids my eyes again. Cassidy opens a folder.

"Grey," she says. "I want to be clear that this is not a disciplinary hearing. This is an investigative meeting. We're here to gather facts and determine the best path forward."

That's what they always say. We're gathering facts. We're looking for the truth. And then they show you the door.

"The footage we reviewed yesterday," she continues, "raised serious concerns about employee safety and appropriate boundaries."

"Rose Sophie accessed that footage illegally." Cain's voice is flat. "She manipulated Leo into giving her access. The footage was obtained without authorization."

"Mr. Micheals, with respect, the footage was obtained through the security system you approved and signed off on. Ms. Sophie may have overstepped that will be dealt with separately. But the footage itself is authentic. We can all see what's on it."

Cain's jaw tightens. He doesn't respond.

"The question before us," Cassidy says, "is what to do with this information. We have a pattern of behavior, repeated after-hours access, entering executive spaces without authorization, explicit behavior in the executive office. These are serious violations."

I want to speak. I want to explain. But my voice is stuck somewhere in my chest.

"Are you firing him?" Cain asks. Unflinching.

"We're considering all options." Cassidy's voice is smooth. "Termination is one possibility. Another would be a formal review, with conditions for continued employment. Counseling and monitoring, with a probationary period."

"Monitoring," I repeat. The word comes out hollow.

"Given the nature of the behavior," Trevor says, "it's important that we establish clear boundaries moving forward. Regular check-ins. Restricted access to certain areas. Review of electronic communications."

They're going to put me in a box. They're going to watch everything I do. They're going to make sure I never come near Cain again.

"That's not going to happen." I hear my own voice. It sounds steadier than I feel.

Cassidy looks at me. Her expression is neutral. "I understand this is difficult, Grey. But we're trying to find a solution that works for everyone."

"There's only one solution that works for me." I look at Cain. Then, back at Cassidy. "I resign."

The words hit the room like a bomb. Cain turns to me. His face is unreadable, but his hand finds mine under the table. Squeezes once.

"Grey," Cassidy says carefully. "That's a significant decision."

"I know what I'm doing."

"You should take time to consider..."

"I've been considering it since I opened the email yesterday." My voice is steady now. "I can't work here. Not after this. Everyone saw that video. Everyone knows what I did. They're going to look at me like I'm a threat for the rest of my time here. I can't do that."

"Grey." Cain's voice is low. "Don't."

"It's okay." I squeeze his hand back. "I'm okay."

I turn to Cassidy.

"I'm willing to sign a non-disclosure. Whatever you need. But I'm not going to sit in an office where everyone thinks I'm going to hurt someone."

Cassidy looks at Trevor. Trevor nods almost imperceptibly.

"Understood," Cassidy says. "We can draft the paperwork. I'll have it ready by the end of the week."

"I want it today."

She blinks. "Today?"