The committee withdrew Preston's nomination by a clear majority. It also authorized Helena, with the new owner's consent, to relieve him of his operating responsibilities pending the independent review. The decisions did not declare him guilty of any crime. They declared that the company would no longer give him the benefit of authority while the records relating to that authority were examined.
At nine-fifteen, Imani arrived at the building through the front doors, carrying the same bag she had brought the previous Monday. Julian walked beside her, speaking softly with the building security supervisor about the planned access to the auditorium. He wore a dark suit, but Imani had chosen an ordinary navy jacket. She wanted the people who recognized her from the video to understand that nothing about the person in front of them had changed except the knowledge they now possessed.
Kelsey was behind the reception desk. She saw Imani before the revolving doors finished turning, and for a second she looked as though she might retreat into the back office. Instead, she stepped around the desk.
"Ms. Brooks," she said, her voice catching. "About last week. I want to apologize."
Imani stopped. Several employees crossing the lobby slowed when they recognized the woman from the video. Kelsey held a printed envelope at her side, not sure whether to offer it. "I did what I was told," she added, then winced because the explanation sounded exactly as inadequate out loud as it had in her head.
"I know," Imani said. "Today you get to decide what you do." Kelsey looked down at the envelope.
"I wrote a statement. I included what I said, not just what Mr. Hale said. I should have corrected the appointment record, and I should have spoken when Maya was fired."
Imani took the envelope and handed it to Julian to preserve through the review process. "Thank you for being specific," she answered. "You'll be given a chance to speak with the investigators. I can't promise that admitting the truth will remove every consequence, but it's the right place to begin."
Kelsey stepped back toward the desk. She watched Imani walk past the same chair where she had waited forty-five minutes, then stop beside it. Imani touched the back of the chair with one hand, as though confirming that it was still there. She said nothing about it and continued toward the elevators.
Maya Reese arrived through the main entrance five minutes later. She was nervous enough that she had changed clothes twice before leaving home. Julian had sent her a visitor pass and instructions to meet a representative from independent counsel near the auditorium. At the desk, Kelsey stood to greet her.
The two women looked at each other across the counter where they had worked together for nearly two years. "Maya," Kelsey said. "I'm glad you're here."
Maya did not smile immediately. "I'm here because Ms. Brooks asked me to come," she replied. "I don't know what this meeting is going to mean."