Chapter 13 — The Itemized Fraud

Sarah was not finished, and she raised her voice now, just enough to carry to the listening guests, because some things need witnesses.

“The forensic audit,” she said, “has already identified approximately one point eight million dollars in unauthorized loans, fraudulent reimbursements, and illegal transfers from the company’s accounts.”

Across the little clearing that had formed around us, Lucas — Savannah’s fiance, the man with the well-connected family, still holding his own drink — turned slowly to look at her.

“What unauthorized loans,” he said, and his voice had gone flat, “is she talking about, Savannah?”

“It’s nothing!” Savannah’s voice cracked down the middle.