“I prevented an unnecessary escalation.”
“You contradicted a direct instruction.”
“The man wasn’t a threat.”
“That determination is not yours to make.”
“I’m security. That determination is literally part of my job.”
Holloway’s eyes narrowed. “Your job is to follow management direction.”
“My job is to keep people safe.”
Holloway leaned back in his chair. “You know, Luis, people mistake longevity for leverage. Eighteen years, twenty years, whatever it is, and suddenly they think the building belongs to them.”
“I’ve been here sixteen.”
“Then you should know better.”
Luis looked at him. “Know better than what?”
“Than to choose a drifter over your general manager.”
Holloway slid a form across the desk.
“Your employment is terminated effective immediately.”
Luis stared at the paper.
“For what cause?”
“Insubordination.”
“You’re firing me because I wouldn’t throw an old man into a storm.”
“I’m firing you because you challenged authority in front of guests.”
Luis stood very still.
Holloway tapped the desk. “Badge.”
Luis unclipped his security badge and set it down.
“Uniform items can be returned by Friday.”
Luis turned toward the door.
Holloway added, “And if anyone asks, understand that references come through me.”
Luis looked back. “Is that a threat?”
“It’s career advice.”
Luis walked out without another word.
What Holloway did not know was that corporate HR had mirrored the disciplinary system the night before. His termination entry was preserved, including the exact time and the fact that it had been created twenty-three minutes before the meeting occurred.
Hannah found Luis near the loading dock putting his personal belongings into a cardboard box.
“What happened?”
“He fired me.”
Her face fell. “Luis.”
“Don’t.” He forced a smile. “If you start looking sorry for me, I’m going to make this embarrassing.”
“This is because of yesterday.”
“Of course it is.”
“We can’t let him keep doing this.”