My heart sank as I read the audit notice Ruth had obtained during the exchange of financial disclosures.

Vance had told me North Quay provided outside project support to his department.

Yet our household transfers appeared to be payments to the same entity, and the business records showed that the vendor’s registered agent had once shared an address with a company controlled by Celeste Mercer.

“Does that mean he’s stealing?” I asked Ruth.

“It means there are questions worth asking,” she replied.

“Don’t jump past what the documents can establish.