Jonathan set the tablet down and folded his hands on the desk.
“Dependability is measured when circumstances are difficult, not when they are convenient,” he said. “If she cannot meet the expectations of her position, then we need to reassess her employment.”
Megan hesitated, then spoke again.
“Would you like me to issue a warning or schedule a meeting with her?”
Jonathan shook his head. “No,” he said. “I want her address.”
Megan stared at him. “Sir?”
“I would like to understand what keeps preventing her from showing up to work,” he continued. “If it is legitimate, then I will know. If it is not, then I will address it accordingly.”
Reluctantly, Megan retrieved the personnel file and placed it on his desk.
Jonathan did not announce his plan to anyone. He left the office before noon, driving himself rather than calling his driver. As he followed the navigation system out of the city center, the surroundings began to change gradually, then dramatically. Towering buildings gave way to aging apartment complexes. Clean sidewalks turned into cracked concrete. Storefronts displayed hand painted signs rather than digital screens.
He felt out of place and resented the sensation.