Chapter 7 - Priscilla Opens the File
Priscilla found Caroline near the hotel’s private garden an hour later.
The wedding reception had been suspended. Marcus had left with two officers from the base legal department. Diane had locked herself inside a guest suite.
Caroline sat alone on a stone bench.
Priscilla approached slowly.
“I owe you an apology.”
Caroline looked up.
“You believed him.”
“I did more than believe him. I defended him.”
Priscilla sat at the opposite end of the bench.
“He told me you were cruel to him. He said you controlled the money and threatened his career.”
“He told people whatever made him look trapped.”
Priscilla opened the file in her hands.
“I read the full report.”
Caroline said nothing.
“Your signature was copied onto six authorizations. Our investigators believe Marcus’s friend created the consulting company, but Marcus directed the transfers.”
“And Diane?”
“She received payments labeled as event expenses. Some were real. Most were not.”
Priscilla’s voice shook with anger.
“I was going to introduce him to our board tonight.”
“That was his plan.”
“I also thought he was divorced.”
Caroline studied her face. Priscilla looked humiliated, but not dishonest.
“Marcus is skilled at finding what people want to believe,” Caroline said. “You wanted to believe he was honorable. I wanted to believe he could become honorable.”
Priscilla closed the folder.
“My organization will cooperate fully. I have already canceled his board consideration.”
Caroline nodded.
“There’s one more thing,” Priscilla continued. “He used your father’s foundation as proof that he controlled the coastal property.”
“He never controlled it.”
“I know. But investors may have relied on his statements. You could spend years defending yourself.”
Caroline looked toward the ocean.
“Then I’ll spend years telling the truth.”
Priscilla stood.
“You won’t do it alone.”
May you like
It was not friendship yet.
But it was the first honest promise Caroline had heard in a long time.
