Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT EVERYTHING BROKE
The trouble began Monday morning.
Laurel arrived at the Halcyon to find two security officers waiting outside her office.
Caleb Sutter stood beside them.
His expression was grim.
“Laurel.”
She stopped.
“What happened?”
Sutter held up a printed report.
“There's been a serious financial irregularity.”
Her stomach tightened.
“What kind?”
“Funds missing from the Brightstep event account.”
Laurel stared.
“How much?”
“Four hundred and eighty thousand dollars.”
She went cold.
“That isn't possible.”
Sutter looked away.
“The transfer was authorized using your credentials.”
Laurel felt the floor shift.
“No.”
“We have the logs.”
“I didn't authorize anything.”
Sutter sighed.
“Laurel—”
“No.”
She stepped forward.
“Check the access history. Check the timestamps. Check the backup server.”
Sutter looked uncomfortable.
“The board has already been informed.”
Her heart pounded.
“Am I being accused of theft?”
He didn't answer.
That was answer enough.
Laurel looked toward the security officers.
Then back at Sutter.
“You know me.”
He swallowed.
“I know this is difficult.”
She laughed bitterly.
“Difficult?”
Her voice broke.
“I've given eight years to this hotel.”
Sutter looked away.
“We're placing you on administrative leave pending investigation.”
Laurel stood very still.
Then nodded.
“Fine.”
She took her handbag.
Placed her access badge on the desk.
And walked out.
She didn't cry until she reached the parking garage.
Then she sat inside her car, gripping the steering wheel, and finally broke.
Because she knew.
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She knew exactly who had done this.
And she had no idea how to prove it.
