Chapter 6 - THE SECRET IN THE HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNTS
The investigation began two days after Christmas.
An outside employment attorney interviewed staff members individually. A forensic accountant reviewed payroll records. Luca preserved security footage and access logs.
Richard Caldwell retained a lawyer.
That was his right.
But the evidence was becoming difficult to explain.
Over three years, thousands of dollars had disappeared through unauthorized deductions and fabricated household expenses.
The accountant also discovered payments to a maintenance company called Caldwell Property Services.
The company belonged to Richard's brother.
It had billed the estate for repairs that had never been performed.
Nicholas was furious.
But the discovery that disturbed him most came from a handwritten notebook found in Richard's office.
Inside were names.
Dates.
Amounts.
And short comments.
Maria — daughter in college. Vulnerable.
Thomas — immigration paperwork. Pressure.
Emily — orphan. Brother dependent. No savings.
I stared at the photograph Luca showed me.
My name.
My brother.
Our circumstances.
Reduced to a note about how easily I could be controlled.
“Why would he write that?”
Luca's expression was grim.
“Because he treated personal information as leverage.”
I looked away.
“He knew Daniel was applying for scholarships.”
“Yes.”
“He knew I couldn't afford to lose my job.”
“Yes.”
I felt sick.
Nicholas entered while I was still staring at the photograph.
“What is it?”
Luca showed him.
Nicholas read the page.
His face changed.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then he handed it back.
“Make sure the investigators receive a copy.”
Luca nodded.
Nicholas turned to me.
“Emily, I'm sorry.”
I shook my head.
“You didn't write it.”
“No.”
He looked at the notebook.
“But I allowed someone to hold that kind of power over people who worked for me.”
I studied him.
“Will Richard go to prison?”
“That's for the legal process to determine.”
I nodded.
Then I asked:
“What happens to the other employees?”
Nicholas looked at me.
“What do you mean?”
“People are afraid. If Richard was stealing from them, they need their money. If he threatened them, they need to know they can speak without losing their jobs.”
Nicholas listened.
“And they need someone independent to report problems to.”
He nodded slowly.
“An outside employee advocate.”
“Yes.”
“Written policies.”
“Yes.”
“Transparent payroll.”
“Yes.”
He smiled faintly.
“You've thought about this.”
I looked down.
“I've had three months to think about it.”
May you like
Nicholas became serious.
“Then I should have listened sooner.”
