“You’re telling me now.

That’s what matters.”

I asked her to speak to investigators if she felt comfortable.

She agreed after consulting her daughter.

I also made certain the company would not retaliate against her for giving truthful information.

Elaine cautioned that we couldn’t simply declare every employee a protected witness, but we could insist that the company obey its policies.

Rosa then said something that changed the focus of the financial investigation.

“Mrs.