However, following my arrest for drug possession on July 2, after being framed by someone in the office, our team deployed a drug-sniffing dog to identify who planted the drugs in my coffeemaker and my car. The sniffing dog led us straight to her office, where we found a stash of drugs with precisely the same formulation as the packet found in my car. That matter is now in the hands of the San Diego Police Department. They have promised to discreetly handle this matter and are waiting for our approval to take her into custody.
During the course of the police investigation, we are expecting Prescott to name Walker as a partner and instigator, which will probably lead to additional charges against Walker.
• Audrey Kramer, CFO
Kramer will be arrested shortly for a variety of charges, spanning from multiple accounts of fraud and SEC violations, including a charge for attempted murder, in regard to the incidents that took place in the test field on July 15.
There is a strong possibility that Kramer contacted a professional to intimidate and/or kill me. This individual is in police custody; however, he has not yet confirmed anyone's involvement, but the investigation continues. We have no reasons to believe this attack was random; therefore, we are expecting at least one of the conspirators to be named in this case.
• Peter Wilson, director of Six Sigma.
Peter Wilson has demonstrated support for Walker's practices on numerous occasions. He should be made aware that in his role he needs to do what's right, at any cost, rather than taking the easy way out.
• Robin Maxwell, HR Manager
Maxwell has failed in her role of HR manager by repeatedly enabling Walker during his abusive outbursts in operational meetings. She should not be kept on staff.
2. Damage Control
Restoring product quality, safety, and reliability is an immediate priority and can be executed with some investment into the operational cost structure.
There will be financial losses associated with the quality issues containment, losses driven by the destruction of all substandard components, and by the recall of all the drones that have had substandard components installed.
A recall is mandatory in this case, yet quite easy to execute. The execution of the recall could be shared with the media and used to restore the public's confidence in the company's quality and reliability standards.
A potential recall might be warranted for the GPS devices. Due to the lack of hazard associated with those potential failures, I would recommend an "as needed" recall, replacing all reported defective products with a new product, ensuring that consumers will be satisfied with the company's approach to handling the defects and spreading out, over time, the associated costs.
Finally, I recommend adding a higher security control mechanism around the self-guiding software, ensuring that only properly authorized personnel can access and control it.
3. Public Relations
The firm of Leesman & Koch has been retained to assist in this case. It is ready to proceed with the communication strategy and press releases meant to ensure that the shareholder confidence is restored as soon as possible.
Further exposure could be a possibility; however, taking immediate recall action should contain the risk and make it a non-issue.
Regarding the incidents still awaiting public disclosure of findings, the Florida incident could generate the biggest damage. Leesman & Koch will work with the company's retained counsel to ensure proactive management of the damage and reparation to the families of those killed or injured in the incident.
4. Final Notes
Note #1: Mr. Louie Blake, Senior Analyst in Infrastructure and Support, has accepted an offer of employment from The Agency. He will be starting with us on August 1st. His role in solving this case was a significant one, and he has demonstrated the rare combination of skills and personality traits needed to be successful in our line of work. We apologize for headhunting this employee away from NanoLance.
Note 2: An anti-slip coating should be applied to the main lobby floor at NanoLance Corporate Headquarters. It's very slippery, hence unsafe.
Conclusion
Restoring NanoLance to its previous state will not be an easy task, but it's not impossible.
Please count on our continued support with implementing the suggested recommendations or with any further needs you might have for our services.
Best personal regards,
Alex Hoffmann, Executive
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Dr. Barnaby was reading the report, in a palpable silence no one dared to interrupt. Around the table, the full Agency staff was present, Claire and Richard included. Handing a client the final investigation report was an emotionally charged event; they all knew that, while Alex was just learning.
Dr. Barnaby finished reading and quietly placed the report on the table. Then he removed his glasses and rubbed his forehead for a while, not saying one word. When he looked up again, he seemed defeated.
"How could I have been so oblivious to all this, although it was happening right under my nose? Maybe I am too old for this," he concluded bitterly.
"Let's not forget that you are not to blame for any of it," Tom said. "These were deceiving, conniving people, who worked hard to make sure you didn't have a clue."
"But it's my company," Barnaby said, his frustration building. "I should have known."
"And because it's your company, if I may suggest," Steve intervened, "we should all be focusing on fixing things right now. Blaming yourself will never yield any benefit."
"I guess you're right… I just struggle accepting that this entire conspiracy could build to this level without showing any sign. I should have seen something; I should have noticed something was out of order."
"But you did," Tom said, "and when you did, you came to us."
"Um… right," he said hesitantly, resuming the rubbing of his forehead and staring at the report. The team respected his choice for a few minutes of silence, while he weighed his options.
"All right," he said, snapping out of it, in what they had learned to be his usual instant recovery. "We have a lot of work to do today. Miss Hoffmann?"
"Sir?"
"Would you be so kind and help me deal away with these bastards? I want them out of my company today."
"Absolutely," Alex said. She had never terminated anyone, but she was not about to complain. She just hoped she would be able to handle it correctly.
"Good. I'll have my legal counsel draw up the papers while we drive over there. Mr. Isaac?"
"Shoot," Tom said, ready to take notes.
"While we're handling the terminations and communicating with the authorities, would you please work with your team and Leesman & Koch to issue a recall and a communication to the press announcing the changes in leadership?"
"Will do," Tom said. "Anything else?"
"Yes. I will need your team to work with me for a little while longer, to define a strategy that will bring the stock price back up where it belongs. I can't retire now… I can't leave my company when it needs me the most. We need to communicate that to the press."
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