*might've phrased his opener a mite less bluntly, under other circumstances but doesn't have the time and truly isn't in the mood to beat around the bush this morning*
*again, waits out the burst of chatter, and before the ringleader even steps forward he's caught a few key words that tell him all he needs to know (Peak North)(shutdown)(unemployment)* *resists the urge to groan and rub his eyes—the renovation's beginning today, he's had no end of trouble from Reavey over it, and now this*
*very patiently listens to the spokesman's sharp but admittedly concise explanation (long story short, they're pissed off at the shutdown, they want more compensation, the management at Peak North is ducking responsibility, and word on the floor is that the House of the Fountain ordered an abrupt layoff over financial concerns)*
*folds his arms over his chest in a thoughtful manner, making an effort not to look as irritated as he is* *calmly* I'm not sure what that lying bastard Mr. Reavey has told you, Brad, but I can assure you that the management at Peak North was repeatedly warned that a shutdown would be in the works if certain improvements were not made. I visited the plant a few times myself, in fact, just to be sure the point was made.
*glances over the rest of the Peak North employees, seeing the anger and frustration (and he understands, he does, but he can't very well tell them that Reavey will be sorry, if it turns out he's feeding his employees misinformation)* *shaking his head as though in commiseration* I'm sorry, I really am. We didn't want to shut down Peak North, any more than anyone here wanted it shut down. *spreads his hands, a clear attempt at peacemaking* Renovations should be complete in just over a month...