Chapter 8 - The Auditing of My Father’s Failing Business
James Sterling stepped forward, sliding the first thick folder directly in front of my father.
“For the past six weeks,” James explained, “my firm has been conducting a comprehensive forensic examination of Vance Construction Enterprises and its affiliated subsidiary accounts.”
Richard’s face turned an ugly, mottled gray. “You have no right to audit my private corporate records!”
“We have every right under Rule 4:9 of the Virginia Supreme Court,” James countered coldly. “Because six months ago, Richard, you attempted to use a forged power of attorney bearing Ethan Miller’s name to access his personal commercial line of credit at Wells Fargo—three days after Ethan died in the crash.”
The room fell into a terrifying, suffocating silence.
Helen gasped, dropping her silverware onto her porcelain plate with a loud CLATTER.
Melissa looked at Brad, her mouth hanging open.
“Ethan was a certified structural consultant on three of your commercial developments, Richard,” I spoke, my voice ringing like a crystal bell in the quiet room. “The moment he died, before his body was even released from the medical examiner’s office, you went to his private home office in Henrico, stole his laptop, and attempted to transfer four hundred and fifty thousand dollars into your failing payroll account to keep your suppliers from filing mechanics' liens.”
“That was a legitimate business reimbursement!” Richard roared, standing up and slamming both fists onto the table. “Ethan owed me that money for the framing materials on the Durham project!”
“Ethan didn't owe you a single cent,” Aunt Ruth spoke up, her voice cutting through the room with thirty years of repressed family truth. “Ethan lent you that money three years ago out of the goodness of his heart because your gambling debts in Atlantic City were about to cost you your contractor’s license!”
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“Shut up, Ruth!” Richard snarled, his eyes bulging with rage.
“No, Richard,” Ruth said, opening the ledger in her hands. “You shut up and listen.”
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