It was Stephen Miller, the executive vice president of compliance and internal audit for the real estate conglomerate where Julian worked.

Arthur, I would learn, had delivered full copies of the accounting documentation to the firm’s legal team that morning, to preserve the evidence and trigger an immediate review.

“Julian,” Mr.

Miller said, his voice cold and professional.

“We have identified sufficient financial irregularities in the vendor contracts tied to Vance and Cole Construction to place you on immediate unpaid administrative leave, pending a full forensic audit and referral to law enforcement.” When Richard protested that his firm operated entirely within the law, Miller looked at him without warmth.

“That,” he said, “will be for the federal auditors and the prosecutors to determine, Mr.