Chapter 3 - THE PERSON ON THE PHONE
Daniel’s partner was a man named Eric Bell.
Vanessa wasn’t holding Eric’s phone.
But Daniel had ordered two identical cases at Christmas.
One for Eric.
One for Eric’s wife.
My sister.
“You think she was calling him?” I asked.
“I think we need to find out.”
My mother pressed a tissue against her mouth.
“Don’t make accusations.”
Daniel looked at her.
“Then tell us something useful.”
For once, she had nothing ready.
Eight months earlier, I had found a duplicate payment while closing the books for Whitmore Events, the company my father had left to Vanessa and me.
Same vendor.
Same amount.
Different bank accounts.
Vanessa said the bookkeeper had made a mistake.
The bookkeeper said Vanessa had approved both payments.
By the time I called Mr. Hale, the mistake had grown into nearly two hundred thousand dollars.
Daniel knew I was investigating missing money.
He didn’t know Eric’s name appeared on one of the companies receiving it.
I had found that connection four days before the wedding.
Mr. Hale had advised me to verify the records before accusing anyone.
He had also warned me that the pressure might make Vanessa act out.
Neither of us had imagined glue.
Daniel listened while I explained.
He didn’t interrupt.
That made it harder.
When I finished, he asked one question.
“Why didn’t you tell me about Eric?”
“Because I didn’t know whether the company was his or someone was using his name.”
“You could’ve told me that.”
“Yes.”
My mother stood.
“This is exactly why you shouldn’t mix business with family.”
I looked at her.
“You signed the transfer approvals.”
Her hand stopped halfway to the door.
“Vanessa asked me to.”
“What did she tell you they were?”
“Routine paperwork.”
“Did you read them?”
“Your father trusted her.”
“My father also trusted me.”
A knock broke the silence.
Nora opened the door for Mr. Hale and a woman carrying a document case.
“This is June Mercer,” he said. “Our forensic accountant.”
June placed a bank record on Nora’s desk.
A payment to Bell Consulting.
Forty-two thousand dollars.
Dated yesterday.
Daniel bent over it.
“Eric told me that money was a deposit from a new client.”
Mr. Hale looked at him.
“Was it deposited into your company account?”
“No.”
Daniel took out his phone.
His face changed as he read the screen.
“What is it?” I asked.
May you like
He turned the phone toward me.
Eric had written: DON’T LET CLAIRE DO THIS. ASK HER WHO REALLY OWNS THE VENUE.
