Chapter 8 - THE HUSBAND WHO FINALLY CAME HOME
Ryan arrived at my office the next morning.
He looked angry.
Not apologetic.
Angry.
“Katherine, what is going on?”
I looked up.
“Good morning.”
He closed the door.
“Olivia says you're reviewing Mallory's expenses.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
I stared.
“Because I'm the COO.”
He exhaled.
“You know what I mean.”
I leaned back.
“Then explain.”
He rubbed his forehead.
“This feels personal.”
I smiled faintly.
“Does it?”
“Yes.”
I opened the file.
“Mallory charged fourteen thousand dollars in travel and entertainment expenses for meetings that didn't happen.”
Ryan froze.
“What?”
I turned the screen toward him.
“Marseille.”
He stared.
I continued.
“The company she claimed to meet has confirmed there were no appointments.”
Ryan looked pale.
“That must be a mistake.”
I nodded.
“Possibly.”
He looked relieved.
Then I added:
“Which is why we're conducting a formal review.”
His jaw tightened.
“Katherine.”
I looked at him.
“Ryan.”
He swallowed.
“Mallory is my oldest friend.”
I nodded.
“I know.”
“She wouldn't steal from us.”
I leaned forward.
“Then the records should clear her.”
Silence.
Ryan stared at the screen.
For the first time, he seemed uncertain.
I closed the file.
“Ryan, this is exactly what happened in Provence.”
He looked up.
“What?”
“You decide Mallory deserves trust.”
I paused.
“And then you expect me to ignore everything that contradicts it.”
He looked away.
May you like
I continued quietly:
“I'm not doing that anymore.”
