Whispers erupt around us, excitement spreading across the crowd. Jessica looks at me with concern in her gaze, but I merely smile at her reassuringly before turning back to Silas.
Silas waits for the noise to die down before he speaks again. “Project Sunshine was Sinclair Security’s first official project, and as of today, I’m officially closing it.”
The slide behind him changes, revealing a photo of the two of us a few years ago, Silas’s arm wrapped around me. This photo must have been taken at the shelter shortly after we started dating. I can feel people turn toward me, whispering and pointing. It’s what they’ve done from the moment they found out about Silas and me, and it never gets any easier, but today it feels a little less malicious.
“Those of you who suspected that Project Sunshine was about a woman were right. The girl in this photo was the reason Sinclair Security was founded. She is the reason you all have a job today. Project Sunshine was named after Ray of Sunshine, a nickname I gave Alanna Jones many years ago. Five years ago, Alanna was in a car accident that resulted in her losing her memory. For five years, I searched for her. Last year, I finally found her. I haven’t spoken up about this before, because Alanna only recently regained her memory, but it’s time I put all the rumors to rest. That includes rumors about Alanna and me.”
He holds his hand out, and I hesitate before walking toward him, my heart racing as I place my hand in his. Silas entwines our fingers and holds onto me tightly, and I look up at him, unsure what he’s doing, and why. Why did he call this meeting?
“Most of you are aware that Alanna and I are dating, but none of you knew our story. Now, let me be clear, our private life is none of your business. The only reason I’m telling you about our past is so you have all the facts as you decide what to do next.”
Silas wraps his arm around me, his grip tight. “I’m aware some of you have been slandering my girlfriend, spreading rumors and subjecting her to workplace harassment. It seems you have forgotten that you work for a security firm, one filled with high-tech cameras and microphones. The only reason I’ve remained quiet as long as I have was so I could identify those of you who failed to adhere to our company’s policies.”
I watch as half the crowd reaches for their phones, several gasps breaking the silence.
“If we have identified you as slandering Alanna, you’ll have received a termination notice. You will not get a recommendation from me, and I strongly recommend you seek employment outside of the industry, because no company will take you after being fired from Sinclair Security.”
My stomach drops, and I look up at him wide-eyed. “Are you crazy?” I whisper.
Silas tips his head toward mine and smiles. “Yes,” he tells me. “So what?”
“You can’t do this, Silas. You can’t just fire people!”
“I knew you’d say that,” he tells me, sighing. “The world doesn’t deserve you, Alanna. These people hurt you and slandered you, and you still want to advocate for their jobs?”
I send him a pleading look. This will just alienate so many of his employees, and I suspect it’ll also tarnish his reputation in the industry. He’ll just be known as the guy who fired people because of his girlfriend. “I don’t care about them, Si. Please don’t do this, okay? This is unnecessary, and it’s crazy. You cannot just fire people over something like this. You’d better take back your words.”
Silas shakes his head as he turns back to the crowd. “At Alanna’s request, I’ll tell you that these termination notices aren’t final. I will allow you to make amends for your mistakes. Those of you who, based on the story I just shared with you, wish to apologize for their actions, may submit a formal letter of apology to Alanna by the end of the day. She may, at her sole discretion, choose to recall my termination notice.”
He makes it sound like he’s doing them a favor, but in reality, he’s just making matters worse. Apology letters? Is he insane? He’s just humiliating anyone who offended or hurt me.
“Yes,” Amy says. “That sounds fair.”
I shake my head at her in disbelief. She’s worked for Silas for far too long. He’s influencing her in the worst way. Before long, she too, will be a complete nut job.
“You’re dismissed. Get back to work and think long and hard about your actions. You had the guts to speak the words you did, so you’d better handle the consequences with the same vigor.”