Down this hallway, there are two meeting rooms: a conference room and a meeting room. The conference room is more of a lecture hall arrangement, perfect for presentations, for touching base with the entire department (as the seating magically increases to suit the number of room occupants), and for press conferences. There is a lectern near the front where a speaker may stand. The meeting room by contrast has the predictable large table surrounded by seats similar to what you will find on other levels.

Both of these rooms feature magical projectors and screens, as well as discreet doors which lead to the preparation room. Entrance to the preparation room is magically barred as this room leads to the minister's office and to the senior undersecretary's office, though special speakers will have access on a case-by-case basis.

If you would like to reserve one of these rooms for an event or a meeting, please contact the reception desk.

It was day one on the job and January was nervous. Of course, she had already been at work trying to organize things to her liking and trying to pick up where the previous department head had left off (which was proving difficult), but today was the day that she would officially meet the employees of the level. That was mildly nerve-wracking. She wanted them to like her, but at the same time... it was okay if they didn't. She was their boss now.

Wow, that was weird to say.

Early for the meeting, January had some papers up at the front of the conference room table. Hot tea was in the middle of the table, as well as some breakfast pastries, because she was sure there were a few employees who would skip breakfast to be on time.

Sipping her tea and standing behind her chair, January waited for her employees to arrive... semi-patiently.

Zander Adair was one of those employees who had to skip breakfast in order to be on time. While 9 AM wasn't the earliest call time (thank you, January), he had arrived at the Ministry much earlier to familiarize himself with the nursery. There was so much he wanted to do already. Of course he couldn't reorganize the room the way he wanted all in one morning, but he did want to do a quick run through of the activities he had planned for the first day.

In fact, he had been so immersed in the nuances of his position, that he had only hardly registered his watch's alarm when it sounded. Despite this he had managed to arrive to the conference room with plenty of time to spare and was unsurprised to see that he was the first arrival after his Department Head.

He needed to make a good impression, y'know? Maybe one day he'd want to be promoted to the fancy, supervisor position and he needed to maintain a good reputation for that. Not that his current position was any less wanted. He was incredibly excited (read: incredibly nervous), but the pay wasn't exactly up to par with his last paycheck from Games and Sports.

"'Morning," he smiled goofily and made his way inside. "My watch must be a few minutes ahead," he laughed sheepishly, looking around the room.... Though, it wasn't his watch that got him here before everyone else. It was the paranoia, probably.

Brodie came in with a cup of tea, and glanced up, "Good morning." He gave a small wave before sitting down glancing around, clearly somewhat nervous. Needless to say he hadn't been the most attentive worker as of late... but who could really blame him? Between his wife, having one child at Hogwarts and another eight at home, his life was kinda filled at the moment.

But that was beside the point, he knew he needed to focus more and pay more attention to work before they got tired of him constantly being late... but he was here a bit early! He really was trying to improve and be more involved in his work place and this seemed like a good first step. He took one of the other seats and glanced at the two others in the room with his usual friendly smile.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Zander Adair was one of those employees who had to skip breakfast in order to be on time. While 9 AM wasn't the earliest call time (thank you, January), he had arrived at the Ministry much earlier to familiarize himself with the nursery. There was so much he wanted to do already. Of course he couldn't reorganize the room the way he wanted all in one morning, but he did want to do a quick run through of the activities he had planned for the first day.

In fact, he had been so immersed in the nuances of his position, that he had only hardly registered his watch's alarm when it sounded. Despite this he had managed to arrive to the conference room with plenty of time to spare and was unsurprised to see that he was the first arrival after his Department Head.

He needed to make a good impression, y'know? Maybe one day he'd want to be promoted to the fancy, supervisor position and he needed to maintain a good reputation for that. Not that his current position was any less wanted. He was incredibly excited (read: incredibly nervous), but the pay wasn't exactly up to par with his last paycheck from Games and Sports.

"'Morning," he smiled goofily and made his way inside. "My watch must be a few minutes ahead," he laughed sheepishly, looking around the room.... Though, it wasn't his watch that got him here before everyone else. It was the paranoia, probably.

Looking up from her notes, January caught eye of the first employee to arrive and she was glad to find that it was Zander, her new personal favorite employee that she would never admit to to anyone but herself. He was just adorable and he wanted to work with children and he had a heart of gold and she wanted to adopt him.

She gave him a warm smile and glanced at the clock. "You're right on time." At least for her standards. If you were on time, you were late. If you were early, you were on time.

"Lovely to see you." By the way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuppySara

Brodie came in with a cup of tea, and glanced up, "Good morning." He gave a small wave before sitting down glancing around, clearly somewhat nervous. Needless to say he hadn't been the most attentive worker as of late... but who could really blame him? Between his wife, having one child at Hogwarts and another eight at home, his life was kinda filled at the moment.

But that was beside the point, he knew he needed to focus more and pay more attention to work before they got tired of him constantly being late... but he was here a bit early! He really was trying to improve and be more involved in his work place and this seemed like a good first step. He took one of the other seats and glanced at the two others in the room with his usual friendly smile.

Zander was, unfortunately the only one that was early. Another employee came just in time, to which she returned his greeting with a nod. "Good morning. Welcome back." He looked a bit nervous, didn't he? Didn't they all? How interesting. Perhaps they'd be more comfortable after this meeting.

This meeting... that was now starting late. The room was basically empty and it made January uncomfortable. But she was devoted to starting things on time, despite their low numbers. She had hoped even the Minister would be on time, but her expectations for him had started to lower since she received this job.

She would have to start without him them.

"Well, I appreciate those who have come on time... Perhaps the holiday was just too nice to come back from." Or they slept in. Or they didn't want to meet their new boss and they were rebelling. Merlin. "We'll have to start. I'll make this meeting short so you can get to work, but I do want to welcome you all to a new year at the Ministry. As you have noticed, Miss Cavanaugh is no longer here, so I will be taking her place as the Senior Undersecretary."

She wasn't really one to try and make friends so her introduction... was less of an introduction and more of a 'hi, I'm your boss now', sort of thing. "You'll notice that there is now a frozen yogurt machine on our level, thanks to the grateful donation of our Minister. As posted on the notice board, I ask that you only take advantage of it during your designated break times." Because she knew that someone might try and hog it all day long and not get any work done.

Pausing during her spiel, January looked up to see if anyone had any concerns or questions so far.

"INDEED, the froyo machine can ONLY BE USED DURING BREAKS - " He winked at January as he dipped into the conference room. "Hello hello, everyone!" he beamed at everyone present.

That kid! It was that kid! He didn't remember the kid's name! But he was THAT KID! And some tired looking fellow - "Look alive, laddy!" he prodded Brodie's leg with the heel of his foot as he sauntered by. "January, I must say - you are doing beautifully! As well as LOOKING beautifully, too!" he winked again. Wink #2.

"And yes, that machine came out my own pocket. January said I couldn't use the ministry's budget on it. Pity, isn't it?!" Everyoe should be so THANKFUL and HAPPY because of his humble donation.

“Perfect,” he laughed, noting that an early arrival was clearly the right move. In all honesty, first impressions weren’t his strong suit, but it looked like he hadn’t muddled this one up yet. Thank goodness.

“Same to you.” He meant it too. It was different being back at the ministry this time because he was here for a job he couldn’t wait to start. The whole prospect of getting to meet the kids he’d be working with for the rest of the year had him in such a great mood. It didn’t matter that he had hardly slept the night before, he was simply gushing with excitement or maybe he was gushing with nerves, at this point it all felt the same.

The blonde took a seat at the table, smiling at the next arrival (Brodie). “Good morning,” he called back, returning the man’s greeting. He would’ve introduced himself but a) he wasn’t that outgoing and b) they were about to start and he didn’t want to cause some sort of scene on the first day. So instead, Zander sat respectfully and directed his attention to January, who began to address their rather (surprisingly) empty room.

Ice cream machine? That was incredible, that was the BEST news, that was… gonna be on the first floor wasn’t it? Man. Life was hard when your department is one level 1, while you’re stationed all the way on level 8. Anyways, questions? Zander had a few, but there wasn’t any time to get them in as… The Minister of Magic was here?!

How had he not registered that this new department would involve that man? He didn’t even know what to do. Was he meant to stand up when the Minister walked into a room? Because without thinking, Zander stood.

He did, however, spare a look over at January though. Was she okay with that comment the Minister made? Because even Zander Adair felt uncomfortable and it wasn’t even directed at him.

There seemed to be no time for questions because at that moment, the Minister of Magic finally arrived. Although rather peeved at his late arrival and his personal need to always make an entrance, January's face remained cool and calm and she herself remained collected. Ignoring the comment and the wink coming from the Minister, January cleared her throat and moved on with the meeting.

"Thank you for joining us, Minister Nickels. I know you're a busy man." Or he should be, at least. She was going to make him get busy in a minute by moving his things back into his OWN office. January was a grown adult who did not like to share.

With no further comment on the froyo machine, January returned her eyes to her notes. "There will be some slight shifting around in this level for a bit. We're going to be working with a program our former Minister, Althea Scabior, had begun, so if you seem some new people and hear of new offices and positions, don't be alarmed." It was rather exciting. Also, it was rather a shame that Althea wasn't still here to work on the project with her.

"On the same page of positions here in the level... I want to get on the same page as all of you. If any of you wish to discuss your position with me at all, be it promotions or pay raises or anything at all, please don't be afraid to do so. My door is almost always open." She didn't want to be the kind of leader that hid in their office all the time. She wanted to be approachable and helpful.

January set down her notes. "I do hope to get to know you all rather well and I hope you'll be patient with me as I get used to this role and this department." Then January looked at the Minister, intending to end the meeting rather soon. "So, unless you have anything to add, Mr. Nickles, I think we can call this meeting adjourned." Anything?

Holding a meeting about impeaching the Minister for Magic was no walk in the park. Without significant proof it could get you fired. But... it seemed, they finally had enough in the books to prove that Morgan P. Nickels needed to go. It had been a long time coming. January was finally holding a meeting to hopefully end the madness.

He had confessed, after all.

After sending an urgent note to all of the Department Heads, January went to the meeting room on her level, made sure all security and silencing charms were in place and functional and then waited patiently at the head of the table for her coworkers to arrive.

Conley walked into the room wearing his best suite coat, but no tie. He hadn’t planned on having any meetings today and hadn’t bothered to put one on. He really should think about keeping one in his desk drawer, just in case.

Under his arm were a few scrolls of parchment, sealed with various colors of wax, all stamped with seals from different countries – allies of the ministry that had sent in complaints or signed and dated testimonies from his ambassadors who had felt it was safer to bring their countries’ concerns to the ministry in person. Sachin had been the first, but he hadn’t been the last to bring his concerns and the concerns of his nation (India) forward. Conley set the scrolls down on the table, then moved to pulled out a chair.

”Miss Bones,” Conley said in greeting as he sat himself down. “You look lovely today,” He said in greeting. It wasn’t a suck up comment – merely a pleasant observation. Perhaps it was the pending impeachment procedures that brought out a twinkle in her eye. Conley thought that she certainly looked less stressed and definitely more determined than usual. But then, Conley had only known Ms. Bones while Nickels had been in power and Nickels was enough for anyone to want to take a permanent vacation to St. Mungos.

It had to be done, and Lyley would fight for it to be done. Not that she expected anyone to disagree -- anyone with a functioning brain had to see that Morgan Nickels was the worst thing to happen to the ministry in years. Who had voted for him? Had anyone? She almost wanted to suggest he had fixed the votes, but she didn't find the minister clever enough to be able to do that effectively.

"Good day to you both, January, Conley," she nodded at them as she took her seat, looking around them cautiously. "The man better not walk in. We need to be prepared for what we'll say if he does." The former Slytherin had quite a few stories in mind.

Isaac headed to level 1 hoping something would be solved this time. It was time to impeach Morgan, the crisis in the ministry was getting ridiculous and security was a huge concern to him at this point. How could he maintain order with all that had happened since Morgan had become minister? All he could do was hope that this meeting would bring some answers and in the end an end to Morgan being in office.

Stepping into the conference room he nodded to Lynley, January and Conley. "Hello" he said in greeting and moving to a chair with his large mug of tea in hand.

After a thousand and one things were done, number one thousand and two were about to get checked off her list as Victoria headed to the minister's office and to the meeting with other department heads. She honestly had no clue how it took this long to get this discussion started, but she was glad it finally was happening.

Though the man didn't seem to spend too much time in level seven she had heard everything that was going on and she had seen some pretty odd things, so to Victoria, this was a good thing.

She had just walked in when she heard Lynley, "Could Sir you are completely nuts and we can't have a ministry run like this work?" She wasn't really joking either, the man had to know he was a few beaters short of a quidditch team, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krel Ansell

”Miss Bones,” Conley said in greeting as he sat himself down. “You look lovely today,” He said in greeting. It wasn’t a suck up comment – merely a pleasant observation. Perhaps it was the pending impeachment procedures that brought out a twinkle in her eye. Conley thought that she certainly looked less stressed and definitely more determined than usual. But then, Conley had only known Ms. Bones while Nickels had been in power and Nickels was enough for anyone to want to take a permanent vacation to St. Mungos.

...........

"Mrs." Bones."

...........

And that was all she said.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayquilz

"Good day to you both, January, Conley," she nodded at them as she took her seat, looking around them cautiously. "The man better not walk in. We need to be prepared for what we'll say if he does." The former Slytherin had quite a few stories in mind.

To the one concern brought up in the room, January smoothed her blouse and spoke up to ease her mind. "Oh no, I think he tries to as stay far away from work as possible." If she wasn't mistaken, she thought she saw him heading down to go get something to eat. And hopefully not to spike the food.

As to the others that came in, January merely nodded. She didn't have much of a sense of humor usually, but she wasn't too keen on humor today, in a meeting where they would be deciding the future of the Ministry of Magic. So, to Victoria's comment, she merely said, "Yes, actually it does." Then she used her wand to sound proof the room.

"Except we're past offering him advice and asking for his opinion. We have proof that Morgan Nickels has spiked Ministry food and has... altered the form of some of our employees, including some of our own Department Heads. Several other mishaps have happened that suggest his involvement..." January took a seat at the head of the table and clasped her hands in front of her. "Today, we need to discuss legal actions, the impeachment of Nickels, an election to be held for a new Minister and an interim Minister until the elections are held and finalized."

January searched the faces in the room for any comments. "Am I correct in assuming that no one disproves of the impeachment?"

Then she looked at Isaac. "What kind of legal actions can and should be taken in this instance?" Surely there was some sort of punishment for this. It was a petty, silly crime, but Morgan was a silly man.

She really hated people that were bland to say the least so looking around she wondered if she couldn't have spent her time with more important things. This was an open and shut case and she didn't understand why they were even really there. "If there is proof of all that, then there is no reason for a vote to impeach, the man should be fired on the spot and sent to jail." It was against laws to do that sort of stuff and all.

She glanced at Issac to see what his thoughts were, but it wasn't any secret what laws were. There was no way this man was going to keep working there and he was really wasting their time. "Wouldn't that be you that would step in as minister until the election is final?" That was how chain of command worked and all wasn't it? Running for office years ago made her know more about that process.

Conley was still learning the ropes around here and he noted daily how different the British Ministry was from the French Ministry. Was it the French ministry that had had to impeach a Minister? Perhaps he was mixing up British and French history? He found himself nodding along with Victoria. ”Is there not a president for this? Surely the ministry has had to talk Ministers into stepping down before. I know Nickles is a…” he searched for the right word. Obnoxious didn’t seem appropriate in the current company ”Exasperating man, but surely presented with the facts, might he see this his stepping down willingly the best thing for him and for the country?” He motioned to the pile of parchment scrolls in front of him, many of which contained colorful and official looking wax seals on them. ”As of yesterday, I received owls with complaints from four of allied councils of magic. And two in-person visits from ambassadors relaying concerns from their respective work-countries. He’s got to know that he is facing indictments from the International Confederation of Wizards for his actions,”

Conley stopped talking. No, it was quite possible from Nickle’s past behavior that the man would likely not step down willingly. ”No,” he said before anyone else could contradict him.. ”He probably won’t step down. But I think it’s best if we at least attempt to get him to cooperate. It would certainly help in repairing our relationships with other countries and with the ICW.”

Isaac gave a little smirk when January used her wand, he assumed she had cast a sound proof spell or something similar at Victoria's comment. He listened as she spoke nodding a little. A new department head for that matter too, although Airey wasn't new to the ministry. "Ye are not alone in the wanting te impeach him." Isaac murmured in agreement at January's question. "I agree thet he should be fired and arrested and sent te jail immediately but I haf a feelin' he'll fight ever' bit."

Sitting back a little he chewed his lip "We could offer him somethin' te avoid a big mess and the Daily Prophet diggin' around. Somethin' such as either he steps down immediately or we put charges against 'im." There were a lot of charges that were coming to mind and more that were possible.

"It won' keep all rumors away but it would give 'im the chance te walk away. If not I'm prepared to put the wizengamot behind us and impeach 'im te the fullness of our laws." His eyes went to Conley as he spoke "'Tis possible. Depends on how much he wants te fight. I think we should give 'im the option." He looked to the others wondering what their thoughts were though now.

Were these people mad? Lynley didn't think Nickels had two brain cells to rub together to catch any sort of hints that he should step down. And as for...doing what was good for his country, she frankly did not think Morgan cared. He was a despicable man with no integrity or grit. If it were not illegal, Lynley would have considered blackmail.

Maybe she still was >.>

"We could tell him that if he doesn't step down...he'll be fired. Now this might sound like a SILLY question but who fires the...head of the country?" she asked briskly. "Do we all have the say in that?" It had been a long time since it was necessary to take such serious actions against someone with such power. "Do we know how the people feel about him? Does anyone like him?" she asked out of curiosity. She wanted to know if they'd face any backlash for such a decisions and what preparations to make for all...that.

As the floor opened up for discussion, January listened patiently, nodded at certain comments and tried to collect her own thoughts as what was the best way to go about this; what was the best way to get Nickels to cooperate without him running away? Because he reminded her of a child who would definitely run away when he got in trouble.

Even Adam stated that other countries were filing complaints about him. And January couldn't let Morgan ruin their reputation because he wanted to have a bit of fun. She had taken on quite a responsibility when she was hired as the Senior Undersecretary and she was going to take it seriously.

When the discussion came to a good point, January spoke again. "Then we will present him with all evidence we have and ask him to step down. We will let him know that we will impeach him if he does not comply. He still needs to face legal consequences," she added with a nod towards Isaac, "but perhaps they can be reduced if he complies in a professional and mature manner." Offering security if he does the right thing may entice him to step down willingly, but... January wasn't entirely sure which way he would choose when he was confronted.

"As for who the position of Interim Minister falls onto until the election..." January continued, her eyes on her notes... "The responsibility is of the Senior Undersecretary. I'm ready to accept the full responsibility of the position and I hope that we can quickly and efficiently roll out a new election and appoint a new Minister." She finished, keeping herself very composed and proper and looked out at the other department heads. She knew that some of them likely didn't agree with having someone with little experience as a department head stepping into the position of interim minister, but January was confident she could at least do 200% better than Morgan Nickels.

Speaking of... "Now, if we have no more to discuss, I think it's time we invite our Minister in for a little chat."

January raised her wand and cast a patronus charm. Into it she spoke in a very peaceful, unsuspecting way: "Morgan, would you please meet me in the meeting room? I have some questions for you." And then she sent it on its way to find the Minister.

She then stood up with her wand. "Are there any questions before he arrives? Now is the time." While she waited for any questions that may arise, January took precautionary steps to ensuring that IF Morgan Nickels tried to flee, he would not be able to. Protective charms, anti-apparition charms. Yes, they were trapping him. But they would ask nicely.

La la LA La alalalLALLAAAA

Morgan had been minding his own business when he received word from January! Ah, January! Lovely woman! Always lovely! She kept his world going round, didn't she? She wanted him in the meeting room? Was it a level-wide meeting? Should he grab some chicken nuggets for the whole crew? Actually...yes, that was a lovely idea. SO before he arrived on Level One's meeting room, he ran to get a large order of McDonald's chicken nuggets from the nearest one in muggle London. 100 of those bad boys! He levitated it in front of him as he slipped into the room.

"I'VE BROUGHT NUGGETS." Processed meat, anyone? DELICIOUS.

Now.

"What did you need from me, my dear?" he asked with a large cheshire smile.

Merlin’s beard - - was Nickle’s deaf?! Conley winced. Once the yelling ended, a ringing took up residence in his ear. He wiggled a finger in his ear and shook his head slightly in an attempt to both end the ringing and to inform the Minister no. He had no clue what the man was blathering about. Nuggets? Nuggets of what? Conley briefly thought he smelled oil, but he hadn’t the greatest sense of smell. His mind might have been playing tricks on him, or it could be Nickel’s personal odor, Eau de toilette, or something else.

He was about to say something when Nickles turned to January. It was perhaps best to let her deal with him. He was certain that she had much more experience in doing so - and Nickels seemed to like her; perhaps he would even listen to her, although he highly doubted that Nickles ever listened to anyone.

Conley took a moment to lean towards Lynley and whispered, ”What exactly are nuggets?” Conley had never heard of chicken nuggets. Growing up, completely surrounded by Wizards with limited-to-no contact with muggles he had never heard of them being used to define food. To him, a nugget was a piece of gold, or other valuable metals, perhaps a bit of wisdom – but Merlin knew that Nickles was not a spouter of philosophy.

Was he horrendously late to this secret meeting? Absolutely. Was he well rested and feeling like a million galleons? Most definitely. Maddox didn’t regret telling his PA that he was not to be disturbed under any circumstances. It had been a wonderful nap and it left him ready to deal with....all this.

Maddox had never been a very political man. Secret talks about policy and impeachment were not at all up his alley. He was fine showing up at the last minute and having everything told to him because.....effort.

On his way down the corridor, paws padding along silently, he caught sight of the man in question heading in the direction he was heading for. Huh. This could be interesting. Maddox followed closely behind, slipping into the room just before the man could close it and settling atop the table. Perfectly acceptable behaviour he thought. It would be difficult to see everyone’s faces from a spot on the ground. Shiny eyes looked about the room at everyone present. None seemed particularly surprised the man was here which lead him to believe he’d been invited. Merlin’s beard he really must’ve missed a lot.

Tail flicking from one side to the next, the black cat waited for someone to say anything to clue him in.

Also, he liked nuggets.

She listened to everyone and wasn't surprised that January would step into the spot. She was the next one in line, Victoria knew how the process worked. She had run once in the past. "We will have to start putting plans in for the next election." That was something that couldn't be just thrown together either, but first things first she knew they had to speak to the man.

Though she was dreading him coming in, it wasn't he conversation, but just him that drove her crazy.

She was just about to suggest that maybe not all of them needed to be here for this, so she could save her ears from his voice when her face scrunched as he bounced into the room. "No thank you"

Why would she want nuggets?

..................

*..............*

Lynley could have hexed him then and there. As soon as the buffoon entered the room. If looks could kill, Lynley's deep brown eyes would have punctured his lungs. She did not want nuggets. She didn't even believe nuggets were real meat much less would she want to accept anything edible from the minister. "Funny you should want us to feel comfortable accepting food from you, Minister Nickels, after the debacle that was....very.....well. Embarrassing." She expressed bluntly, not taking her eyes away from the man as she crossed her arms in front of him.

And she had said her piece. She looked to January to continue the talk on. She couldn't believe that she would be the only department head annoyed with this man??? Why was no else as ENRAGED as she was?

January grew impatient for the man of the hour to arrive, unaware that while she was waiting, he was going to... McDonald's. For chicken nuggets. When he finally arrived, January was standing at the head of the table with her wand in her hand. Ah, and there was Quigley right behind him. Excellent timing. With a flick of her wrist, the door to the meeting room closed and the anti-apparition charms were officially set in place, as was the very secure lock to the door. And her wand was ready... for anything. Just in case.

"Thank you for joining us, Morgan." Then she nodded to the black cat that sat at the table. "Maddox," she added with a nod. He was late, but she liked him, and even didn't mind him sitting on the table. She had a cat at home, after all, and was used to it.

January returned her attention to the Minister after Lynley gave her little spiel about food. That was actually a good point she presented. Blunt, but a good point. "Morgan, we have been discussing some of the issues that you have presented during your time as Minister of Magic. Some of them are due to.. lack of experience... Some of them are due to your carelessness and neglect of your position. And some of them are very serious matters that have affected the health and well-being of several of our employees, including some of our own Department Heads." Her tone was even and calm, but direct and authoritative.

She paused a moment before moving on. "Mr. Nickels, let me be clear and straight forward. We, as a committee of Department Heads have enough information to terminate you from your position as Minister of Magic and sentence you to a healthy amount of time in prison for your illegal actions. But... we are offering a compromise if you step down from your position willingly." She glanced at Isaac before continuing. "We will significantly reduce your punishment and time behind bars if you come forward, come clean, and step down."

That was that. And now she waited for his reply. They had him caught - all he needed to do was agree. But... Nickels often acted as a child. And children do not always listen.