The Auditor

“Are you sure this is your first week, Rachel?” She felt her cheeks as he smiled at her.

“Yes, sir. I mean Steve.” He looked at his colleague.

“Damn, John, some of our most seasoned managers walk away with at least a few significant findings.” Her eyes focused on the team lead. The MBA and grind were starting to feel worth it.

“I know. I thought we had a few ourselves, until Rachel pulled out the operations manual. I can’t believe I never knew about that clause.” She heard the men typing as they finished their report.

“Give us about 15 minutes, Rachel, so we can wrap up our debrief.” She felt the balls of her feet as the floor pushed against her flats. The Lobby had a few customers handling some business on Friday afternoon. Thank you, Ms. Sandberg! She did a silent fist pump.

“Excuse me, Ms. Synder.” She saw the pink cardigan.

“It’s Rachel, Carla.”

“Rachel, do you have a second to go to my office?” Rachel felt her stomach tighten.

“Sure, but I only have a second.” She looked back towards the meeting room. She saw the security guard standing in Carla’s office as they approached.

“What’s going…” She felt her breath catch as she looked out the floor-to-ceiling window.

“He’s been there for the last five minutes.” Carla’s voice vibrated.

“Taking pictures?” The security guard whose name she couldn’t remember turned.

“Yes, ma’am. He keeps waving at me when I point for him to move along.” She looked at the floor and felt her heart beat.

“What should we do? Maybe Chris should go out?” Carla’s voice was soft. 4:13, her watch said.

“I can handle him, ma’am.” She took a breath and shifted her hips.

“Let’s go out together, Chris. You stay here, Carla, and…”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got my phone ready.” She followed Chris through the lobby; it felt warm. She looked at the meeting room as they pushed the door open. She usually loved the feeling of the spring afternoon breeze. She looked at the tree branch shadows as she walked around the corner. The man was there — his cell phone on a monopod and a telephoto-lensed camera held to his eye.

“Excuse me, sir.” Rachel didn’t like the sound of her own voice. The man turned and moved his cell phone towards them.

“Oh, hello.”

“Can I help you?”

“No thanks.” She felt her pulse.

“What are you doing?” The man smiled and looked her in the eye.

“What do you think I’m doing?”

“Taking pictures?” He nodded and turned back towards the building. Her cheek felt numb.

“Why?” Chris coughed and spoke.

“Sir, this is a bank.” Chris’ voice sounded confident.

“So it is.” Rachel looked at Chris, and Chris looked at Rachel.

“You can’t take pictures of the bank.” Rachel felt her back tighten.

“And yet I am.” Rachel leaned forward.

“We have confidential banking transactions.”

“I agree.” She looked at Chris.

“Sir, the bank manager is right. We have a responsibility for customer safety.”

“On the sidewalk?” She saw Chris’ jaw clinch.

“Sir, what’s your name? Who are you with?” She checked the buttons on her shirt.

“I don’t disclose my name while on assignment.”

“So you’re from the bank?” Her jaw felt tight as Chris spoke.

“No.” A car passed by, and she heard a child laughing in the passenger seat.

“You’re not going to…”

“No.”

“Why are you taking pictures of the inside of the bank?” Chris stepped in.

“Because I can.”

“There is confidential information, no, you…” He cut Rachel off.

“This bank allows pedestrians to see confidential information from the public sidewalk?” Rachel felt sweaty.

“No, but there could be. The inside of the bank is private.” She looked at Chris.

“I think we need to call the police.” The man laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Chris looked angry as he spoke.

“Do you think public photography is illegal?” Rachel shifted as he finished.

“No, but…”

“Good, have a nice day.” He turned.

“I can’t not let you take pictures of the inside of the bank.” She hoped the girls would have the glass of wine ready; they were supposed to meet at Spirano’s at 5:30. He turned back towards them. A few people walked past them. A bird landed on the ground near Rachel’s foot.

“Well?” The man took a few more pictures and then slowly turned to face them.

“No one explained to you two how windows work.” A car passed by with its windows down.

“Easy on me.” A woman’s voice sang as the vehicle turned the corner.

Chris and Rachel walked back into the Lobby. She watched as Steve and John’s smiles disappeared as she entered the meeting room.

“I just need a minute, gentlemen.” Sandberg. She looked at the window in her office as she entered — a pigeon was walking on the pavement, and it just gazed through the glass.