Lux walked tentatively into the station with Baze.
"I'm not sure about this..." she hedged. "I didn't want to make a big deal..."
"Lux, it is a big deal, okay? We at least have to report this person, if he works there. If not... I don't really know how I could find him, 'cause I doubt Cate's on-air threats would really make him come forward." he said, though he smirked at the memory.
When they made it to Cate and Ryan's floor, Trina was standing in front of them, yelling about something. Likely the fact that Cate had gotten Audrey from HR to get every myopically challenged person--- even the ones who usually wear contacts, but could potentially wear glasses at some point--- gathered into one room. There had to have been 30, at least.
"And, if you don't tell me what this nonsense is about---" she was ranting, but Baze cut her off.
"We just need to do like a police-type lineup. It'll take a moment of your time, and then we'll see."
Trina looked at him as if he were insane, but threw up her hands, and then gestured to the men standing there.
"All right, have at." she said.
"There has to be a better way to handle this..." Ryan whispered in Cate's ear.
"You have suggestions? Because, I'd love to hear one." Cate snapped back.
Ryan held up his hands in a surrender-like gesture, and Cate looked at the men.
"Okay, line up, single file against the wall if you please."
The men did so, even if they appeared confused, and Lux looked at them all, feeling nervous, embarrassed and self-conscious. But, then, she did recognize the man who'd approached her the night before, and she gestured vaguely, whispering to Cate.
"That one--- in the gray suit."
Cate walked over to him, holding back the urge to hit him with her clipboard.
"What is your name?"
Trina folded her arms, annoyed.
"That's my second in command, Tyson Stratford."
"Okay, everyone else can go back to whatever they're supposed to be doing, thank you for indulging my fiance`, and please know I had nothing to do with this idea." Ryan said, ushering the confused men away.
Cate flashed Ryan an annoyed look, but Trina walked in front of Cate, blocking her view.
"What is it you want with my employee?" she demanded again.
Cate faltered; Trina brought out the worst in her, the part that clammed up, and was unable to speak. She was intimidating, and she wasn't quite sure how to deal with her. But, Baze stepped up behind her, arms folded.
"The filthy pervert came onto our daughter."
Trina raised an eyebrow.
"Do you have any proof?" she demanded.
"Yes! Lux said so!" Baze ground out.
"No, I mean a way to prove it in some kind of court. Because, otherwise, really, I can't do anything about him doing that."
"She's sixteen!" Cate burst out.
"She doesn't work here, so, therefore I can't file a sexual harassment grievance." Trina then turned her attention to Lux, who was chewing on her thumbnail. "Did he touch you, or was it just something he said?"
"No, he didn't touch me." she whispered. "But, he said---"
"Perhaps it was something you misinterpreted." Trina suggested calmly.
Baze glared, putting a protective arm around his daughter. "Don't confuse her; she told me what he said, and there can't be any other way he meant that!"
"Do you have a tape?" Trina continued, unphased. "Because, unless you have some way to prove it, or you're under contract here... there's really nothing that can be done."
"That's bullshit and you know it!" Baze burst out, and Ryan held out an arm across his chest, trying to keep him from moving forward.
"I'm sorry, that's... I know policy backwards and forwards. You are excused, Tyson." she dismissed, and Tyson walked off with a slight air of smugness.
"Stay here with your mom, I need... I need some air a minute." Baze muttered, walking off as well.
Lux looked at Cate, her cheeks flaming red. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to cause any trouble, I just..."
Cate threw her arms around her daughter. "No, no... sweetie... always, always tell us things like that... never be afraid to..." she whispered, smoothing her hair down. "I know we weren't always there, the way we should have been, to chase the monsters away, but we're here now..." she whispered. "And, we're not going anywhere..."