Charles Martin sat behind a cluttered desk, peering at his computer screen with narrowed eyes. He didn’t move when I stepped inside and sat in a too-stiff leather chair in front of him.
“Just one moment, Miss Hayes,” he said, shuffling some papers around and gesturing for me to take a seat. His round glasses slid to the tip of his nose before he pushed them back up with one finger. “Perfect, thank you. How are you this morning? I’m sorry about that wait. This new system Ellis set up doesn’t always tell me when I have conflicting meetings.”
I waved him off. “It’s fine. Dad has things handled. I’m just grateful you were able to see me so soon. Did you have a chance to look at the files I sent you?”
When I made the appointment, I sent over all the files I’d compiled showing the discrepancies. I’d hoped he would have time to review them beforehand and speed up the process.
“I did, and you’re quite right. The figures don’t match,” Charles said, folding his hands on the desk. “There’s only one miscalculation.”
“Which would be what?”
“I want to start by ensuring I will get to the bottom of this.”
“That sounds serious,” I said, chuckling. It didn’t match the nauseous feeling taking hold. “Surely it can’t be that bad?”
“The missing total is quite a bit larger than you anticipated. I would estimate there is close to a quarter of a million dollars lost.”
I wanted to throw up on his plush, beige rug. “Pardon?”
Charles sighed. “I took the totals you had and went further, trying to see if I could find the source, or maybe a trail that could explain what you’d found. Your father had wanted to diversify his portfolio a few years back. While I’d advised against any riskier investments at the time, it is ultimately his choice on how to spend his money.” He pulled a file from the stack and flipped it open. “I take extensive notes on each meeting, you see. My memory isn’t always what it used to be. I’d thought it possible we’d pushed an account through that I hadn’t notated, but Doug had elected not to move forward. I even went through each meeting since then to see if he’d changed his mind.”
“And had he?”
Charles shook his head. “I’m afraid not.”
I sucked in a deep breath. “So, what does that mean?”
“That’s the part I am trying to figure out. Most of the transactions lead to a few offshore shell companies. No beneficial owners are listed, and the chain to find anyone has been long. I’ve been putting everything I can into finding out what these might be used for.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “So, are you telling me that your firm has misplaced over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars?” Keeping the shake from my voice was impossible. I was furious and terrified at the same time. My family was fortunate enough for this not to be a major hurdle, especially since it’d been over time. However, that was money we could’ve used to put back into the land or our employees. There had been several instances in which we’d discussed constructing more staff cabins. Before he’d gotten sick, Dad had wanted to take these clinics on the road, but we’d decided against it since it would’ve eaten the profit margin.
Charles hung his head, and I almost felt sorry for him. “I swear to you… I will find out what happened and ensure every dime is accounted for?—”
“I want a formal audit done. I want the call made, and I want that money found.” My hands were shaking in my lap. How was I supposed to drive home and tell Dad? And why did it feel like I was in the wrong when I’d been the one to find it?
“Of course,” Charles said quickly, sliding me a card. The words were barely legible, but I could make do. “I will help in any way I can. That’s a list of the top auditors in the state. I’ve worked with them on audits in the past.”
“I don’t know if I should take your recommendations,” I said quietly, slipping the note into my purse.
Charles dropped his gaze. “I would understand if you didn’t, but I swear, Josie, I don’t know how this happened.”
Somehow, I believed him.
Charles and my dad had been friends for so long. It’d been partially because of his firm that my dad had gained a stability my grandparents had never dreamed of. His firm was one of the top in the state, which was no small feat considering how small the area was. However, small towns were often ripe with ranchers who were sitting on more money than they knew how to use.
“I know you don’t,” My phone rang, and I saw Dad’s name flash across the screen.Shit. “I need to take this, but I appreciate your help, Mr. Martin.”
He gave me a slow nod, pushing to his feet and extending his hand. “Of course. I’ll be in touch, Josie.”
“Josie, baby!”
The door opened, and my head whipped to the side. Ellis strode in with a smile on his face. He put one hand on my lower back before kissing my cheek. “How’d the meeting with Dad go? Was it just a misunderstanding? We should celebrate tonight!”
“No, I didn’t misunderstand anything,” I gritted out, stepping out of his touch and tightening my hold on my purse strap. “Your father informed me it’s much larger than we anticipated.”
I didn’t even bother to remind him that I spent every Fridaynight with my family. It was a waste of breath if he couldn’t remember after three months of dating.
“What?” he asked. “How can that be possible?”
