Someone was using the emergency reserve in a way that put ordinary operations at risk.”

I thought of our site crews, subcontractors, and office staff.

Those people weren’t abstractions on a chart.

They were families who depended on payroll arriving Friday morning.

“Can we cover the next cycle?” I asked.

“Based on current balances, yes, but don’t assume the same next month.

We need to stop unsupported disbursements through proper controls.”

For the first time since finding the black lace, I felt something larger than my marriage come into focus.