Chapter 9 - THE MAN WHO FINALLY CHOSE THE TRUTH
Graham arrived at Warehouse Seven before dawn.
Firefighters were still working.
The building was heavily damaged.
But the workers were safe.
Marcus approached.
"Mrs. Calloway helped us account for everyone."
Graham looked surprised.
"Eleanor?"
Marcus nodded.
"She remembered the emergency binder."
Graham looked toward the burning warehouse.
For years, he had believed he was the reason the company survived.
Now he was beginning to understand how much Eleanor had carried.
Later that morning, investigators informed Graham that the fire appeared suspicious.
He contacted his attorney.
Then requested an independent review of the ownership transfers.
Victor arrived furious.
"You're letting outsiders into our books?"
Graham looked at him.
"Yes."
Victor stared.
"Do you know what they'll find?"
Graham held his gaze.
"That's what I intend to learn."
Victor stepped closer.
"You're making a mistake."
Graham looked down at his father's watch.
Then back at Victor.
"My father worked these docks for thirty years."
Victor frowned.
"What does that have to do with anything?"
Graham's voice hardened.
"He taught me that a man who steals from workers is no better than a thief who steals from his own family."
Victor laughed.
"Don't get sentimental."
Graham stepped back.
"You're suspended from company operations pending the investigation."
Victor's face changed.
"You can't do that."
Graham nodded.
"I can."
Victor stared.
Then smiled coldly.
"You think Eleanor will come back because you're suddenly honest?"
Graham went still.
Victor continued.
"She knows what you are."
Graham looked at him.
"Maybe."
Then he opened the door.
"But that doesn't make what you've done acceptable."
Victor left.
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For the first time in years, Graham chose truth over convenience.
But the cost was only beginning.
