While I didn’t know all the inner workings of Fantasies, Inc.the department directors seemed to be a close-knit group.I thought about that for a moment.Why wouldn’t they be?This wasn’t like other companies I’d done forensic accounting for.They all worked hard to build the company as it was today.
“After that, I talked to John.I told him about us touring the company and asked if it would create a major loss if we decided not to acquire them.”
“But there’s nothing yet to indicate a major problem.These transactions might have logical explanations.”I stroked my forehead.Even though I was hired to do a deep dive, in the back of my mind I worried that, if this acquisition fell through, how would it impact FI.Not that I wasn’t going to do my job, it was just something I thought about.
“I know.”His voice was calm.“It was a cover your ass type of talk.John is quite aware there is nothing concrete yet.I still wanted to give him a heads up.This is a delicate situation.If Rustic isn’t doing something above board, then we’ll have to deal with it.”
“That makes sense.”I relaxed in the chair.I’d done enough of these deep dives to know some companies had standard operating procedures that didn’t match up to my standards or others.I also had to agree: if Rustic was dealing under the table, the consequences could be dire for them.
“I’ll give the owner a call in the morning and see what I can arrange for a tour.”
“Okay.Is there an issue giving me access to your financials?”
Lucas polished off his sandwich and stared at me.“Why do you want access?”
“If it’s an issue, I can have you look.I don’t want to step on any toes.”I didn’t.While it would be better if I did the matching up, I could let Lucas do it.
“You’re not.I need to know why.”
At least he wasn’t shooting me down.“I want to compare what you’ve paid Rustic Delights to what they’re showing on the books.Here’s the thing: they know you want to acquire them, and they know you’re looking into the financials.”
“Yes.While we’ve been paying them for the rentals, we’ve kept news of the acquisition quiet, so no one else tries to buy them before we do.”
“Right.So why the accounting discrepancy?”I’d been pondering that question.Most companies would make sure their books were pristine during this period, when another company was looking to acquire the business.Unless they didn’t want to sell, but that didn’t seem to be the case.
“You think someone got sloppy?”
“Maybe, or it could be honest mistakes that have been fixed, and I’m not seeing it yet.But being able to match up your company transactions to theirs would go a long way in finding a pattern to any potential discrepancies and possible criminal activity.”
“I’ll get you access.”
“Thank you.”I let out a sigh; Lucas was taking this well.I’d had other financial managers who refused to give me access to do my job.“I’d also need to review the invoices from Rustic to see if I can figure out what exactly is going on.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem either.”
I breathed out a sigh of relief.“I’ll get back to work now.Let me know when I have access to FI’s files.”
“Valerie,” Lucas said.
“Yes.”I paused.
“I’m glad you went to lunch with Cassie and Emma.You need more friends.”
My cheeks grew warm.“Quit being so damn observant.”I didn’t need him to point out my lack of friends, even if it was true.
“Hey…” He stood and took my hand in his.“I didn’t mean it as a criticism; I’m glad you’re enjoying their company.You always seemed alone, except for me.”
My shoulders dropped.As much as I hated it, he was right.“Yeah, I was.”Hell, I still was.Well, maybe not so much now.“I like Cassie and Emma.I’m looking forward to getting to know them better.”
“Good.”He squeezed my hand before releasing it.“Let me get you access to our files.”
I turned and went back to my desk, my brain on overload, processing what Lucas said.We’d gotten a little personal here at work, but it wasn’t anything that crossed the line.Maybe I was a little too uptight.Something else I needed to work on, because I liked Lucas’ concern and his touch.
Chapter Fifteen
Lucas
I kept my gaze on Valerie as she returned to her desk.The last thing I wanted to do was upset her.When I walked into the office with my lunch, she looked so much more relaxed, and that made me happy.Her lunch with Cassie and Emma must have gone well.
