Chapter 8 - THE AUDIT THAT DISAPPEARED
Mara contacted Evelyn immediately.
Walter's statement was documented through appropriate channels, with his consent.
The information suggested that the Harborlight transaction might be connected to an older healthcare billing scandal involving Mara's father.
Samuel Ellison had been accused of falsifying internal financial reports.
He denied the allegation.
The hospital settled several disputes privately.
His reputation never recovered.
Now Walter claimed Samuel had actually discovered improper billing practices.
And the original audit had disappeared.
Mara sat in Evelyn's office, staring at her father's photograph.
“Why would Julian know about it?”
Evelyn studied the timeline.
“His father was involved in healthcare investments twenty years ago.”
Mara looked up.
“Richard Vale.”
Evelyn nodded.
Richard Vale had been a respected businessman.
He had also served on the board of a hospital network that employed Samuel Ellison.
Mara remembered meeting him once.
He'd shaken her hand at a charity event and told her she had her father's eyes.
She'd thought it was kindness.
Now she wondered whether it had been something else.
Dominic arrived later that afternoon.
Mara showed him the documents.
His face hardened.
“Julian never mentioned your father.”
“Why would he?”
Dominic looked down.
“Because his family has been connected to mine for thirty years.”
Mara stared.
“Are you telling me your family knew what happened to my father?”
“I don't know.”
She stepped back.
“Then find out.”
Dominic nodded.
“I will.”
That evening, Dominic confronted Julian.
He demanded the original audit.
Julian laughed.
“You think I kept something like that?”
Dominic studied him.
“I think you kept anything that could make someone owe you.”
Julian's smile faded.
Dominic stepped closer.
“Where is it?”
Julian looked away.
Then whispered:
“My father had it destroyed.”
Dominic went still.
“Why?”
Julian swallowed.
“Because Samuel Ellison discovered who was stealing from the hospitals.”
Dominic stared.
“Who?”
Julian closed his eyes.
May you like
Then said:
“My father.”
