Every report was technically correct. Every number matched what it was supposed to match. But the pattern was wrong.
Turnover was low—unnaturally low for a retail environment at that wage level. Overtime was almost nonexistent—despite staffing levels that should have required it. Incident reports were minimal—too minimal for a store of that size and traffic volume.
And then she saw it.
A subtle rotation of hours.
Employees were being kept just below thresholds. Just below overtime eligibility. Just below benefit qualification limits that had been expanded in the policy update 18 months ago.
And wages—those were being logged under outdated classifications.
Not incorrectly entered. Not accidentally missed.
Maintained.
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