Chapter 53
“Please sit down, Mr. Brownling.”
Ken lowered himself into a chair cautiously. After everything going on lately with Vandenburg and the FBI, his nerves were on edge.
“What can I do for you?”
“We are investigating fair employment claims filed by one or more of your lawyers. It seems there is a pattern of minority associates passed over for promotions in your firm.”
“That is a baseless accusation. All associates are treated fairly according to their skills and performance.”
“Nevertheless, we are required to investigate the claims in a thorough and even-handed manner.”
“Are you prepared to fight this out in the courts?”
“That would be premature. At this point, we are gathering information and would welcome your cooperation.”
“We will, of course, comply with state and federal laws and regulations.”
“Good. You will be contacted with the data collection requirements. Once the information is gathered, detailed staff interviews will begin. Have a nice day.”
***
The next morning, Simon responded to Ken Brownling’s urgent request for a meeting.
“What is the problem?”
“State investigators showed up at my firm. They want to know about minority associates passed over for promotions. Data collection, analysis, and staff interviews are in the pipeline.”
“Please cooperate with them fully.”
“I’m supposed to be protected! What good is the organization’s influence if bureaucrats are crawling all over my business?”
“These types of activities are regrettable but predictable. Rest assured, the investigation will find no serious breaches of laws or regulations.”
“I wouldn’t be in this mess if I hadn’t taken your people into my firm.”
“Our people are placed into establishments where they might do the most good. You have had no problems with their performance?”
“No.”
“Good. Look at the investigation as the cost of doing business. Government officials need to justify their bureaucracies, and unfortunately, it is your turn in the barrel, so to speak.”
“This investigation is not my only concern. I see that Black Lives Matter is raising hell over at Sparkles. Are they coming for me next?”
“Not if we handle the state’s investigation in an appropriate manner. Keep this in mind as you respond to information requests. Panic and lack of cooperation will only raise your profile to organizations such as BLM and the media. Hold your water, Mr. Brownling, and behave naturally. Be advised that the organization is watching closely to see how you operate under pressure.”
“So this is some sort of test?”
“No. But unexpected challenges are a fact of life, and your performance in handling this crisis will be important in determining how we proceed going forward.”
“Understood.”
“I will be available should you need further assistance.”