"Thirty eight thousand dollars is a lot of money. At your pay it would take you over 30 years to pay it off. Plus if I turn you in you could have to pay it off and go to jail for 10 years. On top of that your life is ruined since no one would want to hire you with a criminal history especially for embezzlement."
She held her head low, "I know what I did was wrong but please don't turn me in to the police."
I looked at her and wondered what she was thinking trying to steal from my company. Monica seemed innocent enough and was always on time and did a good job. When the auditors came to me and said there was $38,000 missing she was the last on my list of people who could have stolen it. For 5 years she had moved small amounts of money to the petty cash fund and written bogus receipts for stuff she never bought.
"I will have to think about it. I am not sure what I am going to do."
She still had her head hanging down, "I understand Mr Willis". The Kleenex in her hand was wet from wiping away all her tears.
Dressed modestly she was very plain with brown hair at shoulder length and some out of style glasses. I figured that she could look really nice if she were to add some flare to her clothing. As far as I knew she led a quiet life and never went out with any of the other staff.
"I would hate to see you go to prison. You seem like a nice girl but I can't let this go. We're talking about a lot of money and I am not into taking payments for the next 30 years."
"I have a plan. You may not like it but here it is. Take it or leave it. Rejection will mean that I call the police. There is no other option."
"For the next few years I will allow you to work it off. It will not be in cash but in sexual favors."
For the first time she lifted up her head and looked at me with wide eyes. "You have to be kidding me. I am not that kind of girl. I would rather go to jail so call the police."
"Okay Monica. Thanks for hearing me out. That will be all." I turned away and picked up some paperwork. Monica stood up and walked to the door sobbing. She stopped and looked at me for a second and then left.
I figured that I would give her a day to think about it.
The next morning I arrived at the office and Monica was sitting in the lobby. "Can I talk to you?"
"Maybe later on. I have several appointments this morning," and walked away.
After lunch she was back in the lobby, "I really need to talk to you right away".
"Alright. Come in my office." As I passed my secretary she handed me some mail. "Can you come in for a minute or so Janet? I need to have some contracts sorted." Janet got up and followed us in.
"So what do you want to talk about Monica?"
She looked around at Janet and then back to me. "It's a private matter Mr Willis." Janet looked at me and I nodded and she left the room and closed the door behind her.
"What do you want? I assumed that since you left yesterday you had made your decision."
She looked at me, "Can't we talk about this? Is there any way I can pay this off? I will pay more than the $38,000 plus interest."
"I gave you my options. They are not up for negotiations. Thanks for stopping by." I pointed towards the door.
She started to cry and got up and walked towards the door and stopped. She hesitated and I turned my back on her. I didn't hear the door open, instead I heard her walk back to my desk.