Laura Thompson has just learned that her former manager, David Jenner, is returning to her division of NAPA Oil, the country’s third largest oil company. David had been promoted out of her area two years ago and moved to NAPA’s headquarters in Texas. Laura assumed David’s management slot at that time. Now he returns, demoted to a position under her management. Laura is stunned. When David managed her, he was a vulgar, sexist, and mean-spirited individual. Laura recalled that many of the employees in her division actually feared David, and after his promotion, several female co-workers confided in Laura that they wanted to file sexual harassment claims against him, but worried that he would destroy both their professional and personal reputations. The only reason David was allowed to stay with the company, and even flourish, was because he had a super-natural-like knack for predicting the moves of OPEC, routinely saving or making NAPA hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

Laura’s motivation and drive for the day was rapidly dissolving when the phone rang. A tingle ran through her body when she heard the familiar, smoke-strained voice of David Jenner on the other end. To her utter surprise, he asks her to meet with him prior to his return, saying that he needs her help and guidance for his return to the division. Although hesitant, as manager of the division she thinks it would probably be a good idea to find out why he was demoted, and to explain, ahead of time, what her expectations will be. So she agrees to meet him for lunch.

At lunch, David explains the reason for his return to Laura’s division that shortly after leaving the division he found faith in the Lord. He tells Laura that his new belief in Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior has made it impossible for him to remain who he was, or to maintain his aggressive drive to the top. He tells her that he volitionally requested the reassignment that brought him back to his former group. Laura looks at him skeptically. Physically, the person sitting across from her looks like the same manager who bullied, lied and pushed his way around the group two years ago. Yet, she thinks, the words and demeanor are different, and his eyes no longer look so dark and guarded. But she wonders whether can she trust him. David, knowing that Laura is a believer who conducts weekly Bible studies at work, and that she is someone to whom others come for support and friendship, not only asks Laura to forgive him, but asks her to become his supporter upon his return. He asks her to talk with the other group members on his behalf. She promises only to think and pray about it.

When she gets back to her office that afternoon, the word is out; David Jenner is returning. There’s no other conversation topic in the group. Laura could hear various snippets, "Do you remember when Jenner grabbed . . .," or "How about when he . . ." Many employees talk openly about the fact that Jenner had the demotion coming, and there seems to be agreement that Jenner does not deserve the respect or loyalty of the group. Later, several of Laura’s trusted employees come to her office and encourage her to take steps to block his return, saying that if she doesn’t, she will be facing a mutiny. Laura shares that she needs to pray and think about what should be done.

What would you do?