The Resolution

I've mentioned a couple of times on here that we had drama going on at work, and that it was stressing me out. This last few days, at least some of that drama has been resolved.

We found out for sure who had been stealing money. She was interrogated by the detective, but flatly denied it. Because of the evidence the detective had, he asked her to take a lie detector test. That test happened on Tuesday, and while it was being administered, she admitted that she was guilty.

We've pretty much known it was her. The circumstances were such that we couldn't see how it could have been anyone else. Apparently, it actually began quite a while ago, when she would take money out of the shift bags to cover something, and then replace that money before the deposit actually went to the bank. We only caught it when she couldn't replace the money anymore. She claims that her husband suggested, and even kind of forced her into doing this. She wants to keep her job. Not having a job is going to create a HUGE financial struggle for her family.

Brandon let her know, of course, that she couldn't keep her job. Even if we decided to let her stay (and why would we, after this?), the attitude of the other staff toward her would be such that it would be horribly unpleasant. I mean, honestly, if you had to go to work every day and deal with co-workers who knew you were a thief, would you be able to do it for long? I couldn't.

So the issue of who did this is officially resolved. But now we have other issues - like hiring and training a new person, and covering her shifts in the meantime. So there's still stress, but at least we can move forward.

When all is said and done, though, I'm just sick about it. I really, really like this person. I firmly believe that it is not in her character to do this sort of thing. I have no doubt that she felt she was backed into a corner and had no option. I feel terrible that she felt like that. At the end of the day, she is the one who made this decision, and she will have to deal with all of the consequences of that (including possible prosecution). But I wish that things were different. I really hope that she is able to move forward from this, deal with the consequences, and rise above her circumstances.