“Carter,” Cole called, in that condescending tone. “Got a minute?”
Daniel turned. Cole stood beside Jenna, arms crossed, scanning the area.
“What do you want?” Daniel asked.
“Just to talk,” Cole said. “Not here.”
They moved to a quiet corner near the parking lot, out of camera range.
“Look, Daniel,” Cole said softly. “Today didn’t go as planned. But all is not lost. We both know the law and what actually happens don’t always match.”
“What are you saying?”
Cole pulled a manila envelope from his briefcase. “Twenty thousand dollars in cash. Tomorrow, you plead guilty. Say you acted out of financial desperation. We ask for leniency. The judge gives you community service or a small fine. No jail. In two months, this is over.”
“And you get what?” Daniel asked.
“The company collects insurance. Everyone walks. No one gets hurt more than necessary. If you say no, we counter-sue—defamation, falsified evidence. We’ll drag this out until you can’t pay your light bill.”
Jenna finally spoke. “Take it, Daniel. You already lost your job. Don’t lose your whole life too, just because of pride.”
Daniel dropped his gaze, exhaled, then looked up. “All right. I accept.”
Cole smiled. “Smart choice.”