After lunch I head downtown to the department of internal audits for the city. I need to speak with Ally Hill. She conducted the audit of the convention center which ultimately resulted in my being hired as a consultant. We need to compare notes. "Thanks for meeting with me on such short notice," I say.
"That's no problem, Ms. Raydor. I've actually been expecting to hear from you sooner or later. Have a seat."
"Please call me Sharon. I wanted to talk to you today because, as you are aware, there are major issues with the management of the convention center. The most obvious problems involve the security department, but I'm also finding budget discrepancies. There are expenditures for big ticket items like new security cameras; however, the cameras aren't installed. When I ask to inspect them, or at least see the corresponding receipts, I'm led on a wild goose chase."
"Let me guess," Ally interjects. "You've had to fend off the advances of Niles Grant."
"How did you know that?" I ask.
"Because I had to do the same thing," she answers. "I spent weeks getting the run around you're getting. My audit uncovered so much dirt. Not to mention, the blatant sexual harassment I endured. Grant was laying it on thick with me. I guess he really thought I would back off because he's good looking and well connected. As soon as I had the information I needed, I immediately went to my supervisor. Weeks went by and I never heard another word about it. The audit results were buried, and I was told to keep my mouth shut if I wanted to keep my job. Sharon, I'm a single mom with two kids. I need this job. The only concession I was given was an assurance that a consultant would be brought in to improve safety and security issues. Niles Grant has powerful connections in this city."
"Ally, I can tell you that he isn't the only one with powerful connections. I'm going to put a stop to this man no matter how high up the food chain I have to go. I'm retired and I don't have to worry about retaining my job."
"That's wonderful, but be careful about stepping on toes and please keep my name out of it. I've had this job 10 years. I can't afford to start over at the bottom in a different job."
"I'll do my best to keep you out of it," I assure her before leaving her office.
