It had been a seamless operation for the past five years. The two complexes operated smoothly. The employees were well compensated, and a nondisclosure was a prerequisite to work for the company.
Sunnydale was under the umbrella of several offshore accounts and shell companies. Sunnydale was also particular about who could live and die there. They vetted applicants to find those that suited their agenda, particularly those who wanted or needed to move into the assisted or long-term care part of the operation. It would take an army of Miss Marples, Hercule Poirots, and Columbos to unravel the web of deceit.
Jeremy Sykes had been doing the monthly inventory in the pharmacy of Sunnydale’s long-term care facility. He double-checked the bill of lading. It was the third month in a row that one of the shipments of OxyContin, Vicodin, codeine, and morphine was short. He made his third phone call to the pharmaceutical company’s sales representative, and for the third time he got a baleful of excuses and apologies. It wasn’t a substantial amount, but enough to hinder several patients’ ability to withstand pain. Even one missed dose could be excruciating for someone who is suffering. He finally complained to his boss, and a week later Jeremy was given notice. He was told they were changing to an automated system, and his services would no longer be required.
For Jeremy, this was a low blow. He had just finished paying off his student loan. The next project was to tackle his credit card debt. Now he’d have to use his cards even more. Sunnydale gave him a decent exit package, but the situation felt like it came out of nowhere. There had been no talk about automation. No heads-up. Something wasn’t right. Could it have had something to do with the pharmaceutical issue? If yes, why? He was simply doing his job. That was his first mistake. The second was signing a nondisclosure exit agreement.
As he was walking out, carrying the small box of his personal belongings, he ran into Regina from the administration office.
“Jeremy, I am so sorry to see you go.” Regina had been the one to hand him his last paycheck earlier that morning.
“Yeah. That’s life, I guess,” he said. The distress in his voice was evident. “I’ll manage.”
“I wish there was something I could do for you.” Regina was being sincere. She had no way of knowing the sinful machinations behind the façade of Sunnydale. On the surface, everything was legitimate.
“When did you hear about the automation thing?” he asked, as he placed the box into the trunk of his car.
“What automation thing?” Regina furrowed her brow.
“That was the reason she gave me for letting me go.”
“Huh. She didn’t give me any information, just said to cut Jeremy a check, and told me the amount. Didn’t say why. None of my business.”
“But you hadn’t heard about any upgrade in the systems?”
“Nothing. I suppose I should know those things, since I oversee the invoices. But no. Nothing technical that I’ve seen so far.”
Jeremy twisted his mouth. “Okay. But do me a favor?”
“If I can,” Regina replied.
“Let me know if you find out anything? I mean, I’m not asking you to put yourself in jeopardy. But anything you can share would be appreciated. I’d like to know what kind of technological competition is out there. Since I’ll be looking for another job, I don’t want to start somewhere and have the same thing happen again.”
“Sure thing, Jeremy. Take care. Good luck with everything.”
“Thanks, Regina. You take care, too.” Jeremy slammed the trunk closed and walked to the driver’s side of the car. He gave Regina one last wave.
When Regina returned to her desk, her supervisor was standing in the office. “Hello, Mrs. Clayton.”
“Hello, Regina. I noticed you speaking with Jeremy a few minutes ago.”
“Yes. Just saying goodbye.”
“What did the two of you talk about?”
“Nothing, really. I wished him good luck.”
“Did he say anything to you?”
Regina shook her head. “No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Please do not have any further conversations with former employees. Understood?” Clayton was within a breath of intimidating her.
“Shh-sure,” Regina stuttered. She had never had an encounter with anyone over an ex-employee. The more she thought about it, she realized Jeremy was the only person she ever had a conversation with after they got their package.
