That morning, conversations stopped.
Receptionists lowered their eyes.
Two junior analysts stepped into an elevator without waiting for me.
I insisted I was imagining it.
Then I reached the executive floor and saw Wesley standing outside the conference room.
His tie was crooked.
“Tell me how bad.”
He glanced toward the glass doors.
“Have you reviewed the attachments?”
“Some.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“I was up all night.”
“So were the auditors.”
The word hit me.
“Auditors?”
“Outside forensic team.”
“Who authorized that?”
“The board.”
“This is insane.”
“Grant.”
“My wife found some personal expenses.
I reimburse the company all the time.”
Wesley’s expression told me to stop.
“What?”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
“Consistently?”
He continued.
“Because the initial review suggests that several expenses connected to Tessa Vaughn were categorized in ways that made them appear related to active developments.”
“I didn’t personally enter expense codes.”
“No, your staff did, based on descriptions your office provided.”
