Page 13 of Hellcat Barbies: Imani
“Have a seat and we can discuss,” he insists but I shoot him down.
“Nah. I’m going to stay standing.”
“We are parting ways with you but we have a severance package,” he rushes out.
I knew they were letting me go. Shit!
“If you sign this non-disclosure, stating that you will not talk about what occurred on the day of the surgery, we will pay you six months’ salary and provide medical coverage for six months too.”
Clearly, they want me to be quiet. They know the good doctor ain’t shit and they are trying to cover their tracks. So, I make a counter offer.Hell, why not.
“Make it a year salary and insurance and include my PTO days paid out. I have not called in once since I started.”
“I’m not sure we can d-” Karen starts but Bryan intercepts.
“We can do that but you cannot speak on this at all. If you do, we will cancel the severance immediately and sue to recover the money.”
Yes!
“How soon would I get the money?”
“We can have it on your last paycheck Friday,” he assures.
“So, the only way I can violate the agreement is if I speak on that surgery? Nothing else?” I clarify because I truly have one more thing to do before I leave.
“That’s the only violation.”
“I need to see the agreement.”
He opens the portfolio in his hand and pulls out a document. I see more than one page, so I sit. I’m not a lawyer but my Hellcat Barbie sis, Draya, is. She’s criminal but she’ll have a better understanding of this than me. So, I take the paper, skim the first page and see the six months timeline in bold so I slide it back over to him.
“Change it to a year, then I’ll look over it and sign,” I say.
“We can make notes to add that,” he has the nerve to say.
“Yeah, that’s not going to work. I’ll wait here for the new document. Then, I’m going to have my lawyer quickly go over it.”
“You have counsel?” Bryan asks in an elevated tone.
I don’t bother answering his question. Instead, I say, “I’ll be here waiting for the updated papers. And if you don’t mind, can I wait alone. This is a lot to digest.”
“We can do that. Since we are all on the same page, I can handle everything going forward. Micheal, Bonita, and Karen, thanks for this morning,” Bryan says.
They all stand and one by one leave out. When I’m alone, I silently scream then immediately pull out my phone. I stop the recording then call Draya, praying she answers.
“What’s up, boo?” she answers to my surprise and delight.
“Hey girl. I’m glad I caught you before court or something.”
“You did. My calendar is clear until ten. You’re, okay?”
“No. I don’t know why I didn’t call you sooner but it’s my job.”
“The new one in Crescent Falls?” she asks with concern.
“Yes. Long story short. I got bullied by this doctor into saying an instrument count that was wrong. He left a sponge in a patient and she is suing. They are blaming me and firing me but they know this doctor ain’t shit.”
“They’re trying to avoid a massive settlement. Shit. Well, you know I don’t do medical malpractice or wrongful termination, but I can put some feelers out and see if I can find a good attorney for you.”
