Chapter 5 - THE WOMAN IN THE BOARDROOM
The first time I entered Adrian Vale's boardroom, fourteen executives stared at me as though someone had accidentally delivered room service.
Raymond Keller was among them.
His smile disappeared.
"What's she doing here?"
Adrian pulled out a chair beside his own.
"Claire Bennett is our new independent financial consultant."
Raymond laughed.
"You're joking."
"No."
"She's a waitress."
"She's also a forensic accountant."
"With a disciplinary history."
My face burned.
Adrian looked at him.
"Are you suggesting her findings are inaccurate?"
"I'm suggesting we need professionals."
"Then you should welcome the opportunity to prove her wrong."
The room went silent.
I sat down.
My presentation began with routine financial performance.
Revenue trends.
Cash flow.
Vendor concentration.
Nothing alarming.
Raymond visibly relaxed.
Then I displayed a chart showing that the freight division had lost twenty-two percent of its reported value over eighteen months.
"Unfortunately," I said, "the company may need to consider asset sales."
Raymond leaned forward.
"Exactly what I've been saying."
I nodded.
"Northbridge Capital has already expressed interest."
His eyes brightened.
"An excellent buyer."
Adrian said nothing.
I continued.
"However, before recommending a sale, I need to verify the current valuation."
Raymond waved dismissively.
"We can provide whatever you need."
"Wonderful."
I smiled.
"That includes the underlying transaction records from every subsidiary."
His smile faltered.
"Those records are extensive."
"I have time."
After the meeting, Raymond cornered me near the elevators.
"You think you're clever."
I pressed the button.
"I think the freight division is undervalued."
"You have no idea what you're involved in."
The elevator arrived.
"Then explain it."
He stepped closer.
"People who dig into things they don't understand tend to regret it."
A voice came from behind him.
"Is there a problem?"
Adrian.
Raymond straightened.
"Just discussing the audit."
"Then include me."
Raymond walked away.
Adrian watched him disappear around the corner.
"What did he say?"
"That I should stop digging."
"And what did you say?"
"That he should explain himself."
Adrian shook his head.
"You're impossible."
"That's what my last employer said."
He smiled.
A real smile.
It transformed his face so completely that I forgot what I was going to say.
Then my phone vibrated.
An unknown number had sent a photograph.
My father's apartment.
Taken through the window.
May you like
Below it were six words.
YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED A WAITRESS.
