Chapter 13 - I CALL RYAN’S EMPLOYER
My larger mistake came three weeks later.
Ryan worked as a regional sales manager for a building-material supplier.
Nothing to do with the graduation party.
He had been placed on leave after a local news story mentioned his arrest.
His employer said it would conduct its own review.
I called their CEO.
We knew each other professionally.
“Ryan should never supervise anyone again.”
Silence.
Then:
“Daniel, I’m going to stop you.”
“He pushed my pregnant wife down stairs.”
“I know what he’s accused of.”
“There’s video.”
“I’m aware.”
“He’s my brother, which is why I’m telling you exactly who he is.”
The CEO said:
“You are also a customer.”
There.
Pressure.
Even if I did not explicitly threaten business.
My position carried weight.
I had turned a family assault into an employment demand.
Again.
I stopped.
“You’re right.”
“Let HR do its work.”
I wrote a follow-up email:
My call was inappropriate. I should not attempt to influence Ryan Collins—wrong surname. Ryan Mercer’s employment status through our commercial relationship. Please disregard my request and handle the matter under your policies.
His employer later suspended him pending criminal resolution and ultimately reassigned him after his return.
Their decision.
Not mine.
Natalie asked:
“How many times are you going to become your father while trying to punish your brother?”
May you like
I did not like the question.
I liked the accuracy even less.
