This is going to be odd, but please hear me out! My friend recently had a breakup with her boyfriend, (his idea), and it was not amicable. I work at the same company as her ex, and normally work from home, except for one day in the office. This is mandatory so, of COURSE, I am going to see him! I have not gone out of my way to talk to him, go over to his desk, or anything. I once had a run-in with him while we were both in the break room, but it was about passing the sugar. I just thanked him and went on my way.

This morning, I had an email from HR waiting for me in my inbox. Apparently, someone has been leaving notes on his car windshield that ask why he broke up with his girlfriend, what she did that was so wrong, and things of that nature. He believes I am doing it as we all park in a garage, which is supposed to be private but the company did not renew the contract to keep it private. I am assuming this has been my friend, but without the security footage, I have no proof. I am not sure if HR knows about the garage going public or not, I only know because I am in finance. What should I do? Toss my friend under the bus? Tell HR I have no idea what is going on but leave my friend out of it? HELP!

-Not Really a Stalker

Dear Not Really a Stalker, Your only job here is to tell the truth and clear your name. "I received your email and want to assure you that I'm not aware of or involved in this situation. I'm concerned about the impact of this allegation on my professional reputation. Who can we speak to about checking the security footage to clear my name?" You don't need to toss your friend under the bus, but you also don't need to allow yourself to be smeared as a stalker in order to protect her.