Chapter 7 - THE BROTHER WHO NEVER VISITED
Fallon rarely mentioned her brother, Travis.
When she did, she called him unreliable and told me not to ask questions.
Now his name appeared on company filings, bank transfers, and the mortgage witness statement.
I remembered meeting him only once, at Wade's wedding.
He had worn a cream-colored suit and talked loudly about investments.
He had also asked whether I owned my home outright.
At the time I thought he was making conversation.
Now I felt sick.
Nina explained that Northbridge was one of several companies bidding to supply diagnostic equipment to the division where Wade worked.
Some bids were legitimate.
Others showed unusual similarities in pricing and language.
Wade's name appeared on evaluation notes that favored Northbridge.
Charles Peterson had approved the final vendor selections.
That surprised Robert.
“Charles has been with us twenty years,” he said.
“Then let the independent committee review his decisions too,” I replied.
Robert looked at me with unmistakable respect.
“You're right.”
That evening Charles telephoned our house.
His voice was almost pleading.
“Robert, you know I would never knowingly compromise the business.”
Robert switched to speakerphone after asking his permission.
“Then cooperate fully, Charles.”
“There are relationships you don't understand.”
“Explain them to the committee.”
A pause followed.
Then Charles said, “Be careful around Fallon.”
I leaned toward the phone.
“Why?”
Charles had not realized I was there.
He stammered.
“Mrs. Hale, I didn't mean—”
“Then tell me what you meant.”
The line went dead.
At ten, someone knocked on our front door.
Robert checked the camera before opening it.
A young woman stood under the porch light holding a cardboard box.
Her coat was wet from rain.
“My name is Lena Brooks,” she said.
“I used to work at Northbridge.”
She looked from Robert to me.
“They told me Mrs. Hale was the one person who might listen.”
“Who told you?” Robert asked.
Lena's hands trembled.
“The person who made me copy the files.”
She lifted the box.
May you like
“If I leave this here, you have to promise you won't tell Travis where I went.”
