The View from Alameda Island - Robyn Carr Page 0,105
has no details, just that she believes Brad somehow convinced someone to fire me. She said something about a deal made on the golf course.”
“It may be as simple as that or even more complicated, I don’t know. But Stu Lonigan may find his job in some jeopardy. You were given an exit package, were you not?”
Lauren returned her fork to her salad plate. “No.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you decided to go back to Merriweather. It’s familiar, no doubt you have friends there, and despite all this I’ve always considered Merriweather a good company. Believe me, I checked them very thoroughly before agreeing to sit on their board. As a local philanthropist, I can’t associate with a corporation that discriminates or abuses employees. This situation is unusual. And, I think, personal. If it’s a corporate habit, they’ve hidden it well. I don’t believe it is. Still, it’s so disturbing.”
“Is Stu in trouble now?”
“When someone terminates an employee without cause, without negotiating a healthy exit package, leaving the company open to lawsuit, you can bet the board has an issue with that. Your lawyer contested the termination so everyone knows. Mr. Lonigan is on very fragile ground. And, it’s my opinion that your soon-to-be ex-husband has been risking his medical license. I know he settled two lawsuits. They were not for malpractice. They were for abuse and harassment.”
“You know about that?” Lauren asked. “They never went to court. I only know what Brad told me.”
Sylvie took a forkful of her salad. She tilted her head and chewed slowly. “Well, when you’re in the habit of giving away a great deal of money, you soon learn not everyone is your friend. We have to research individuals, charities and foundations very carefully. It’s routine, I’m afraid.”
“And you researched Brad?” Lauren asked.
“In a way,” she said. “I hope you won’t be horribly offended. I had good reason. We researched you. I uncovered the extent of your injuries at his hand, the order of protection, the lawsuits. I knew Brad rubbed me the wrong way, but I admit I had no idea things were that bad. I’m horrified. Don’t worry—it’s all confidential. It’s meant to protect our foundation. That money is meant for people in need.”
In spite of herself, Lauren blushed. “Why would you research me?” Lauren asked. “Were you afraid I was lying about the divorce? About anything?”
Sylvie laughed. “Not at all. I asked my assistant to do the research. She’s so good, so sensitive. I asked her to do that because I liked you. I thought you were smart and I guessed you had a personality I could mesh with. Then things tumbled a little bit, you had a lot of stuff happening at once. Your divorce, your job loss. I was thinking along these lines anyway. My assistant, Ruth Ann, is planning to move out of the Bay Area when her husband retires. We’ve been scouting around for her replacement. It’s not easy. Ruth Ann has been with me for ten years. Several people have been suggested and they just aren’t meeting my expectations. Perfectly nice, very professional, but... I’m looking for someone I admire, someone I like, someone with the kind of perseverance and heart I can respect, a devoted mother and loyal employee. And someone who can keep a confidence. It’s a hard job sometimes. It can get very busy, it can involve travel. There are also easier weeks. It pays well. And there are excellent benefits and a retirement fund.”
Lauren could not close her mouth. “You admire me?” she asked in a whisper.
Sylvie put down her fork and sat back in her chair. “Lauren, you were raised by a single mother. So was I. It’s hard on a girl. You lost your mother just a couple of years ago. You protected your children and raised them well, though it had to have been difficult. You held a responsible position in a large company for many years. You were dependable, you didn’t give up easily, you have a close relationship with your sister’s family and your daughters. And you’re smart. We get along so well. You’re the kind of assistant I want.” She touched her napkin to her lips. “I won’t take it personally if you’re not interested.”
Lauren laughed. “Well, there’s a lot more you have to tell me about the job. I really loved Merriweather but I don’t want to go back. In any case, I haven’t heard a word from Stu or HR. And I can’t think