CHAPTER 2 – EVERYTHING THEY BUILT COLLAPSED
Phones began ringing across the dining table.
Brendan answered first.
His face drained of color.
"What do you mean my access card doesn't work?"
Another pause.
"What do you mean security escorted me out?"
He looked at Arthur.
"You fired me?"
Arthur corrected him.
"No."
"Ms. Cassidy terminated your employment."
Jessica's phone rang next.
She smiled confidently before answering.
Seconds later...
Her smile disappeared.
"They... canceled my consulting contract."
Arthur nodded.
"The contract existed because Brendan recommended you."
Diane interrupted.
"This is illegal!"
Arthur opened another document.
"Actually..."
He slid several papers onto the table.
"Over the last four years, company auditors discovered repeated misuse of corporate funds, personal travel billed as business expenses, and unauthorized vendor payments approved by Mr. Brendan Morrison."
Brendan stared at the documents.
"I never..."
Arthur interrupted.
"You signed every one."
More black SUVs arrived outside.
This time...
Government investigators stepped through the front door.
Search warrants.
Financial records.
Electronic devices.
Everything was collected.
Neighbors watched through their windows.
The family that had always looked down on everyone else suddenly found themselves unable to explain why investigators were carrying boxes out of their home.
Diane finally looked at me.
There was no anger left.
Only fear.
"Cassidy..."
"I made mistakes."
"Please."
"I was protecting my son."
I stood slowly despite the weight of my pregnancy.
"You weren't protecting him."
"You were teaching him that cruelty has no consequences."
I looked at Brendan.
May you like
"And tonight..."
"He learned otherwise."
