Chapter 2 - The Missing Money
The first undeniable warning arrived two weeks before Chloe’s procedure.
Arthur received a call from the hospital’s billing office.
The woman on the phone sounded uncomfortable.
“Mr. Vale, we need to discuss the charitable account connected to Chloe’s care.”
Arthur stepped away from the construction site and pressed the phone against his ear.
“What about it?”
“The most recent payment was reversed.”
“That isn’t possible. The fundraiser account has more than enough money.”
“I’m afraid the account appears to have insufficient funds.”
Arthur felt the world shift beneath him.
“There was over four hundred thousand dollars in that account.”
“I can only tell you what our system shows.”
Arthur called Richard immediately.
Richard did not answer.
He called Sarah.
She answered on the fourth ring.
“It’s a bank error,” she said before Arthur finished explaining.
“How do you know?”
“Richard told me there was a problem this morning.”
“Why didn’t either of you tell me?”
“Because you’re already under pressure.”
Arthur lowered his voice.
“How much is left in the account?”
There was a brief pause.
“I don’t have the exact figure.”
“You manage it.”
“Richard handles the transfers.”
“Then put him on the phone.”
“He’s in a meeting.”
“Sarah, how much money is left?”
She exhaled sharply.
“Arthur, Chloe is preparing for a major procedure. Is this really the time to accuse us of something?”
“I asked a question.”
“And I said we’re fixing it.”
The call ended.
That evening, Arthur drove to Sarah’s home.
Richard opened the door wearing a suit, even though it was nearly ten o’clock.
“You should be at home with Chloe,” he said.
“I will be after you show me the account.”
Richard stepped outside and closed the door behind him.
“You’re emotional.”
“My daughter’s hospital payment was reversed.”
“It’s a temporary problem.”
“Show me the balance.”
Richard’s polite expression hardened.
“The account isn’t solely for hospital expenses. There are administrative fees, taxes, promotional costs, and donor processing charges.”
“How much did those cost?”
“I don’t have the figures in front of me.”
“You’re a financial adviser.”
“That doesn’t mean I memorize every transaction.”
Arthur stared at him.
“How much money is left?”
Richard adjusted his cuffs.
“Enough.”
“That isn’t a number.”
“It’s all you need to know.”
Arthur took a step closer.
“You told donors every dollar would support Chloe’s treatment.”
“And it has.”
“Then show me.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed.
“You trusted us when you needed help. Don’t become insulting now because you’re frightened.”
Arthur wanted to push past him and demand the records, but Chloe was waiting at home with a movie and a bowl of popcorn she was not supposed to eat before her next test.
Arthur left.
When he returned home, Chloe was sitting on the couch with Barnaby.
“You look angry,” she said.
“I’m not angry.”
“You have the eyebrow.”
“What eyebrow?”
“The angry one.”
Arthur sat beside her.
“Did Sarah or Richard ever say anything to you about the fundraiser?”
Chloe looked toward the hallway.
“They told me not to worry about grown-up things.”
“Did they tell you that together?”
She nodded.
“What did you hear?”
“I don’t remember.”
Arthur knew she was lying.
Chloe looked down at Barnaby’s patched ear.
Her fingers pressed the fabric protectively.
“Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“When people do something bad, do they always get caught?”
“Not always.”
Chloe frowned.
Arthur added, “But the truth has a way of waiting.”
“Waiting for what?”
“For someone brave enough to tell it.”
May you like
Chloe hugged Barnaby.
Arthur did not realize she had already decided that person would be her.
