Saving Face

Chapter Eighteen: The Renter

"Someone tell me who wrote that email!"

Mr. Fleischer paced angrily in his office near the fireplace in front of his senior staff who sat anxiously in the sofas and padded chairs.

"We don't know for sure," the CIO said, mopping his expansive forehead with a cloth. "It originated from within the corporation, but the account was false. There is no 'office of internal risk assessment.'"

Mr. Fleischer rounded on the man. "It's been almost twenty-four hours. The situation is spiraling out of control. I need to know!"

"We're working on it, sir. The perpetrator disabled our network security during the time period in question so we have little information."

"Have you determined who authorized the deletion of those renter emails? That was the stupidest thing I've ever seen. It just confirmed in everyone's minds that we're trying to cover something up."

The CIO shook his head. "We believe this might be the work of the same person who sent the original email. The server that audits all access to the mail accounts crashed and we haven't been able to bring it back online yet."

Mr. Fleischer paced away, hands clenched into fists. "I've got lawsuits demanding full disclosure being filed in five states."

Lawyer Guy interrupted. "We can stall those for a while."

"I don't want them stalled." Mr. Fleischer roared. "We can't have this kind of attention. We can't hold up to a full-blown audit."

The Chief Publicist said, "There are three news crews parked outside, interviewing everyone they can get their hands on."

"When did this happen?"

"Just before we convened."

The head of security, a beefy ex-military officer said, "I could have my boys throw them out."

"No, that would only make things worse."

The Chief Publicist said, "The best way to subdue this panic and settle things down is to present a unified message." She handed out files to everyone. "My office has already prepared statements for your review. Once approved, I'll deal with the news media. We've recalled all staff members to assist with fielding phone calls and reassuring worried renters."

"Good," Mr. Fleischer said. "That will help." He rounded on the CIO and the head of security. "You two need to track down whoever is responsible. I want their heads."

Dr. Maerwynn spoke for the first time. "My assistants are working overtime restoring renters who have demanded early termination of their leases. At this point, we're looking at probably thirty percent return rate."

Mr. Fleischer ran a hand across his face. "Thirty percent?"

"It could be worse."

"Anything else?" When no one spoke up, Mr. Fleischer dismissed them. Dr. Maerwynn lingered behind after the others left.

"This is a delicate situation, Michael."

"I know. We can handle it."

"Make sure you do. I can't afford to have this operation endangered."

"I'll manage my end. Don't worry."

Mr. Fleischer's secretary stuck her head in the office. "Sir, Marilyn is here."

"Send her in."

"Are you still moving forward with the permanent corporal transfer?" Dr. Maerwynn asked. "I thought we agreed to postpone it."