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Madison turned her attention back to the columns of figures. Eighteen months of data and the one thing that stood out the most were consistent sales. Slight changes, yes, but all that could be explained with seasonality. Nothing significant, which would mean Caleb’s uncle was wrong. Sales didn’t drop because of the new store in Norwich. Locals shopped locally.
And if sales were consistent and income was lower, that only left one problematic area. Expenses. Actually, two areas…the other being deposits. But that was easy enough to match off what was deposited and what was net profit, and she doubted young Tommy, who made the deposits, would ever do anything illegal. He seemed like a good kid, and Madison was all about trusting her instincts. It was a small step forward, but the good news was that they could now focus their attention on the right area…expenses.
As if on cue, Joelle entered the living room, rubbing her eyes, just as Caleb walked through the front door.
“How’s my little princess?” he asked, beaming when his gaze landed on her.
Dragging her blankie, she moved to sit next to Madison. “Not sleepy anymore. Guess Miss Madison was right ‘cause I went right to sleep.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Did you two have fun today?” Caleb asked.
“We played dolly school, and Madison, I mean Miss Madison, got right down on the floor and played with me. It was so much fun.” Joelle’s sunny smile was firmly back in place.
Madison took her by the hand and squeezed lightly, sharing in the assessment. “Sweetheart, I’m glad you enjoyed our afternoon, but please, call me Madison. It’s more friendly, and I’d like you to think of us as friends.
“Okay. Did you hear that, Daddy? I have a new friend.”
Caleb scooped his daughter into his arms and gave her a big hug. “I’m glad you had fun while I was at the store. Daddy was working and didn’t figure anything out.” He turned his gaze to Madison. “I thought maybe something would occur to me, but mostly, I helped with customers. Lots of customers.”
It was the same thing Madison had figured out using the data provided. “Which brings me to what I need to tell you. While you were gone and Joelle was sleeping, I was going over the ledgers, and guess what I found?” She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice.
“You figured out the problem? Really? That would be incredible,” Caleb said, the dimples on his chin prominent with a broad smile.
Madison shook her head. “Not so fast. I wish it were that easy, but I analyzed the sales numbers and trends and the problem isn’t declining business. Your uncle is wrong.”
“Thank goodness for that. But what is it then?” Caleb asked.
“Well…if sales are consistent and bottom-line income is dropping, that only leaves an expense problem or a deposit problem. The deposits are easily verified, and I doubt Tommy would mess with those. I think we need to review all the expenses and see what’s changed. The numbers could tell a story if someone knew what they were looking for.”
“Makes sense. What do we need to move this forward?”
Madison noticed his use of the word “we” and couldn’t help the surge of excitement that rippled down her spine. He was letting her into his inner circle of trusted friends, and it felt right. “We need the actual inventory ledgers and the receipts that go with them. It’s a little more in-depth of a process, but the answer to the problem must be there.”
“Then that’s where we will look. Thank you for doing this. Truly.” Caleb’s gaze never left hers, neither of them saying a word. It was almost like a connection of sorts. An understanding.
Either that or she was seeing far more into his gratitude because she wanted to see more.
Chapter Nine
Goingtothestorealone felt off at first, but gradually he stopped worrying about Joelle, knowing Madison was watching her. Lauren would have approved of his decision without question. And to prove to himself he could stay away, he opted to stay longer, hoping to find something useful and solve the store’s financial woes.
The only problem solving it would seem had been done right here at home. Madison was more than a little amazing. “I’ve got to head to the barn and take care of Star. Anyone care to join me?” Caleb asked, not ready to let go of the camaraderie between them.
“I do. I do,” Joelle said, suddenly wide-eyed and smiling, and jumping up and down.
“I second her two votes,” Madison added.
Caleb held hands with his daughter as they all headed out the door. “I figured you wouldn’t turn down the treat of visiting the barn.” Truth be told, he enjoyed his visits to see Star, using the opportunity to talk to the horse, even knowing she wouldn’t answer. Although Star had a few ways of making him aware of her agreement, or disagreement, as sometimes happened.
“Most people wouldn’t consider a barn visit a treat,” Madison teased as she stepped off the porch.
“True, but you and Joelle aren’t most people.” Caleb winked. He swung his daughter up into his arms and they started toward the barn.
Caleb pulled open the heavy wooden doors, noting a new squeak he needed to fix. The familiar scent of horse, hay, and manure assailed him, like an old friend. Star greeted them with a whinny as they drew near, signaling her appreciation at having company. As always, the mare nuzzled his arm, forcing him to not only acknowledge her, but to stroke her neck. And of course, talk to her. Even with the others around, he found it easy to do, not at all embarrassed in front of Madison or his daughter. “Good girl. Bet you’re ready for some exercise.”
Joelle reached out to pet the horse, gently the way he had shown her. “Are you going to ride the horse, Daddy?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with delight.
“No, sweetheart. I don’t ride anymore. I’ll turn Star out in the pasture so she can go for a run.” Somewhere deep inside, the desire to ride sizzled to the surface, but he couldn’t bring himself to change his decision.
