Chapter 12
"Is the name familiar to you in any context related to the company?"
"No."
Martin folded the pages carefully and placed them in his own briefcase.
"All right," he said.
"Here's what I need you to understand.
What we have tonight is a starting point.
The photographs establish a credible allegation.
Thomas Hale's notes provide direction.
But to move against Victor in any formal capacity, we need a forensic accountant inside the actual records — not copies of copies.
That means we need access."
"I still own the company," Harold said.
"You do.
Which means tomorrow morning, we go to the company's registered accountants and you exercise your right as primary owner to request a full internal audit.
Victor cannot legally block that.
He can slow it.
He can make noise.
But he cannot block it."
"He'll know the moment we ask."
"Yes," Martin said.
"He will."
Harold nodded once.
"Then he has tonight," Harold said.
"To do whatever he thinks he can do."
Martin looked at him steadily.
"I'd like to make one call right now, if you'll permit it.
A colleague who specializes in financial fraud cases.
She won't move tonight, but I want her aware before morning."
"Make the call."
Martin stepped outside.
Harold and Anna sat in the small room with the sound of Lily's breathing and the occasional car on the road outside.
After a moment, Anna said, "Do you believe me?"
"I believed you when you were standing in the doorway," Harold said.
"Everything since has just been confirmation."
Her eyes filled.
She looked away quickly.
"I missed her funeral," she said.
"Mom's.
I didn't find out until three months after.
I saw it in a newspaper search — I used to search sometimes, when I was somewhere with good wi-fi and enough courage.
I found the obituary." She pressed her fingers to her mouth for a moment.
"It said she was survived by her devoted son Victor and her beloved husband Harold.
May you like
It didn't mention me."
Harold's hands rested on his knees, very still.
