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Chapter Four
Richard
Sunday brunch with the family ended early. Everyone had someplace to be this afternoon, and so did I - the office. I had an employee whose performance at work was slipping quickly, and he wouldn’t like what I was about to say to him. Tyler had been working for me long enough to know that I didn’t give second chances. They always came back to bite me in the end. He shouldn’t be shocked that he’s about to be terminated.
As I drove up to my office building, I saw Tyler getting out of his red Ferrari. He probably wouldn’t be able to afford such luxuries after our little chat. I wasn’t heartless, but I kept my emotions out of my business. If I allowed myself to become personally invested in my employees’ lives, I potentially could find myself accused giving special treatment to employees who were willing to share their personal lives so openly. Since my staff knew better than to talk to me about personal matters, I’ve never had to be concerned of treating anyone differently. I expect the same from everyone.
I pulled into the parking garage and into the reserved spot next to my private elevator. I could easily use the main entrance as my employees did, but today I wanted my time at the office to be brief. The fewer people knew I was there, the better. And once they saw security escorting Tyler out of the building, they would keep their distance no matter how pressing their questions. No one wanted to risk being the second person on the chopping block today.
Letting someone go wasn’t an everyday occurrence, but I knew what it took to keep my business thriving. I paid my employees generously and expected results. If it meant they worked 24/7 in order to achieve that, it was on them. And if they came up short, they understood the consequences. These expectations were presented to them when they interviewed for the job. Shame on them if they hadn’t taken my warning seriously.
There was no point in opening my laptop. I didn’t owe him an explanation, and honestly, I knew he wouldn’t ask for one.
Although Tyler didn’t need to knock on my open door, he did anyway. His expression said he was extremely nervous. This couldn’t be the first position he’d been let go from, but if it was, I hope he learned something from this. Everyone is replaceable.
“Mr. Heart, you wanted to see me today?” Tyler said as he entered.
“Take a seat. I’ll try to make this quick.” He did as I instructed and waited quietly for me to speak. “Tyler, your performance has not met my expectations. It is time you look for employment elsewhere. I’ll have security come up and wait while you pack any of your personal items.”
Employees usually did one of three things after that speech: get up and walk out, blame it on another employee, or beg for another chance. When Tyler buried his face in his hands and began to sob, I was thrown.
“I know…I’m sorry,” he choked.
I’d known women who used tears to get what they wanted, but if that’s what Tyler was pulling, he had the wrong guy.
“You should be,” I said firmly. You have no one to blame but yourself. I didn’t want to hear any lame ass excuses either.
“I am. For so much, and there isn’t enough time to do anything about it,” Tyler sobbed.
He was right. Time had run out. “You should have thought about that before submitting total crap for a report.”
“I…I don’t even know what report you’re talking about, but I’m sure you’re right. I haven’t been my best lately…It doesn’t matter anymore. Nothing does,” he cried.
I wasn’t a total asshole. I understood and felt compassion when it was appropriate. But this is business. If you didn’t take your job seriously, then why should I give a fuck when you’re unemployed and lose everything?
I know I’m going to regret this.
“Tyler, this is just a job. I’m sure you’ll find another one.” Just not here. That was more kind and supportive words he deserved for the crap he’d turned in lately.
“I don’t give a fuck about the job. I’m talking about my son.”
Son?I had no idea that Tyler even had children. “What does your son have to do with this?” I asked. Tyler was a little younger than me, so it wasn’t like his son worked here, too.
Tyler wiped his eyes and looked at me. “You really don’t know, do you?” he asked. I shook my head. “He’s dying.”
Fuck! I didn’t even know he had children.This news was like a punch in the gut, but it explained why Tyler was so emotional.
“I’m sorry.” Without children or a family of my own, I couldn’t imagine the pain he was going through. Only a total piece of shit wouldn’t be affected by Tyler’s words. I was compelled to do something, but what? Keeping him on the job would only mean accepting the fact Tyler would be delivering less than acceptable work. I couldn’t have that. I needed to trust my staff to submit thoroughly researched reporting. There was no chance of that happening right now from him. His focus is where it needed to be. On his son.
“Are you sure nothing can be done?”
Tyler nodded. “We have the best pediatric oncologist at UMASS. We even got a second opinion from the top brain surgeon in the world, Logan Henderson. Both came back with the same results. My son Chance has a fast-growing, and inoperable brain tumor. The doctors believe he has only a few months left.” He sighed and said, “There’s so much I wanted to do with him, to show him, and now it’s too late. I’ve spent too many hours working and not enough time making him feel loved. I don’t even know who his favorite football player is.”
That didn’t seem all that important to me based on what Tyler just said, but then again, I’m not a father. I can’t fire his ass now, but I can’t rely on him to do his job, either. “Take time off. Go be with your family.”
He looked at me, puzzled, and then shook his head. “I can’t afford to take the time off. Medical bills are high. I need this job.”
“You will have a salary continuance and your job will be here waiting for you.”
