Chapter 5 - The Ghost Contracts of Cross Logistics
Julian Hayes connected the encrypted tablet to the 75-inch wall monitor in the recovery suite.
“Let’s look at why Cross Logistics has stayed in business for the past four years,” Julian Hayes said with clinical precision.
The master supply chain diagram illuminated the screen:
The Ghost Subcontracts: Cross Logistics was an insignificant trucking company with nine leased flatbed trailers. Over the last four years, eighty-two percent of their commercial freight revenue came from subcontracted distribution lines awarded by Savannah Terminal Port Operations.
The Anonymous Endorsement: Those lucrative contracts had been granted under a private, confidential corporate waiver signed directly by Seraphina Cole-Hayes during her first year of marriage, using her executive trust authority to keep Julian’s failing business solvent without his knowledge.
The Embezzled Capital: Over the past twelve months, Julian had siphoned $1.4 million in operating margins into offshore betting accounts and private luxury real estate purchases registered under Gwen Vance’s name.
Seraphina stared at the financial charts, feeling the final lingering shred of sorrow in her heart turn into diamond-hard resolve.
“He thought he was a self-made logistics mogul,” Seraphina said quietly, taking a sip of tea. “He didn’t realize that every container he moved was paid for by the woman he locked out of his house.”
Arthur stood up, his jaw set in cold, unforgiving granite.
“Julian,” Arthur commanded softly.
May you like
“Yes, Chairman?”
“Terminate every freight contract with Cross Logistics effective at midnight. Call in every commercial line of credit guaranteed by Hayes Maritime. And unseal the prenuptial discovery filings.”
