Supervisor Claims Employee Isn’t a Parent And Has Her Detained
Life’s only constant is change. Just when everything seems to be on track, things can shift dramatically.
Unexpected changes can catch us off guard, as happened to the woman in this story, who faced an unforeseen situation she never anticipated.
Even when it seems like everything is going smoothly, be prepared for sudden shifts. This tale not only provides an engaging read but also offers a valuable lesson for us all.
Leaving my child with a babysitter wasn’t an option. I needed to be present to oversee his condition and take him to the doctor if needed.
I decided to call my supervisor and explain the situation. Since I hadn’t taken any leave this year, I hoped it would be alright.
After leaving my child, Kenny, resting, I made the call.
“Hello, Mr. Williams,” I began when he answered promptly. “My son is very ill, and I need to take a week off to care for him. I haven’t used any of my leave yet.”
There was a brief silence before he reacted explosively.
“Seriously, Annie?” he shouted. “Our annual meeting is in two days, and you’re abandoning me? I need those marketing reports!”
“I apologize, Sir,” I replied. “But I can’t come in. The reports are completed and were emailed to you yesterday morning.”
He hung up abruptly.
I didn’t dwell on it; Mr. Williams was known for his erratic and impolite behavior.
The next week was focused on caring for Kenny, who started to recover after a few days and was soon back at school.
When I returned to work, I was met with an unsettling scene. Mr. Williams was in my chair, slowly clapping with a sinister grin.
“Welcome back, Annie,” he said. “I have a surprise for you.”
Before I could react, a police officer entered the room, handcuffs in hand.
“Annie Mills,” the officer said firmly. “You have the right to remain silent…”
My heart raced, and I felt faint as he read my rights.
“What’s happening?” I gasped, trying to catch my breath.
“Annie, it turns out you don’t have a son,” Mr. Williams declared. “You’ll be punished for your deception. Nice try, but you’ve been caught.”
My mind was reeling. I couldn’t understand what Mr. Williams was talking about. Of course, I had a son; I was a single mother because Kenny’s father had left when he learned of the pregnancy.
As I was escorted out in handcuffs, I wondered where everything had gone so wrong.
In the police car, I pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
At the station, I was denied a phone call and received hostile looks from the officer.
Placed in a grimy holding cell with mold-stained walls, I felt desperate. My neighbor was supposed to look after Kenny after school, but beyond that, he only had me.
After what felt like an eternity, another officer walked by my cell.
“Please,” I pleaded, approaching the bars. “I need to make a phone call.”
She agreed and led me to the pay phone. I called my best friend Mia, a lawyer. I knew I couldn’t afford her services, but she was my only hope.
“Mia,” I said urgently, “I’ve been arrested. I need your help.”
Mia arrived at the station and was allowed to see me immediately.
Here’s where things changed.
Mia took on my case without hesitation.
“There’s something wrong here,” she said after speaking with several officers—there were raised voices during the process.
Eventually, she secured my release, and I went home to Kenny. Mia then began her investigation.
It was revealed that Mr. Williams had orchestrated the whole situation. He had bribed the officer to arrest me. According to company policy, if an employee is arrested or suspected of criminal activity, their contract is terminated, and the company claims any outstanding wages.
In my case, that meant my unpaid salary.
“Are you sure?” I asked Mia when she came over, explaining everything, including emails from Mr. Williams to the officer.
“Yes,” she confirmed, helping herself to some dinner. “It’s all resolved. Mr. Williams will face consequences.”
I felt a wave of relief.
Mia had saved me from wrongful imprisonment without charging me a dime, and Kenny and I were deeply grateful.
To avoid a lawsuit and to preserve their reputation, the company awarded me $40,000 as compensation, acknowledging that Mr. Williams acted alone.
Though my time in the holding cell was brief, it was enough to frighten me. I’m thankful for Mia’s commitment to justice; otherwise, I’d still be waiting for answers and justice.
Now, I work with Mia, managing her firm’s marketing and PR needs as needed. It’s a stable job where I feel secure, and most importantly, I can provide for my son without the stress of an unreliable employer.