Chapter 4 - THE MONEY THEY STOLE
Clare sat down.
"How much?"
Daniel repeated the number.
She stared at him.
The amount was so large that for several seconds her mind refused to process it.
"That's impossible."
"I wish it were."
"You're saying someone stole my wages?"
"Not exactly."
"Then what?"
"Someone redirected part of your compensation."
"To who?"
Daniel didn't answer.
Clare stood.
"I want to know."
"I know."
"Daniel."
He looked at her.
"That's why I'm investigating."
"Why?"
"Because you're not the only employee."
That stopped her.
"There are others?"
"Twenty-seven."
Clare felt sick.
"Twenty-seven people?"
"Twenty-seven confirmed cases."
"How?"
"Fake approvals. Altered payroll records. Unauthorized deductions. Promotions that disappeared from the system."
She stared at him.
"How long has this been happening?"
Daniel's expression hardened.
"Six years."
Six years.
The exact length of time Clare had worked for Mercer.
She slowly sat again.
"Who had access?"
"That's the problem."
Daniel placed another folder on the desk.
"The person responsible knew our internal systems."
Clare looked at him.
"An executive?"
"Possibly."
"Someone at this store?"
"Possibly."
"Why me?"
Daniel's gaze softened.
"I don't know yet."
Clare thought of every difficult month.
Every time she had told Lily they couldn't afford something.
Every birthday she had postponed.
Every night she had worked overtime.
Every time she had looked at her bank account and wondered where all the money had gone.
She swallowed.
"What happens now?"
"I make it right."
"How?"
"I'll personally review your entire employment history."
She shook her head.
"I don't want special treatment."
"This isn't special treatment."
He leaned forward.
"It's restitution."
Clare looked at him.
"You really don't remember me from the diner?"
A faint smile appeared.
"I remember you very clearly."
"Then why are you doing this?"
Daniel was silent.
Finally he said:
"Because you were kind to me before you knew I could do anything for you."
Clare's eyes filled unexpectedly.
Daniel looked away.
Neither noticed the woman standing outside the office door.
Patricia.
May you like
Listening.
And holding a phone in her hand.
