Chapter 6 - The Black Folder|
From the front row, Julian watched Ethan Shaw unfasten the metal clasp of the leather folder.
A sudden, sharp look of terror cut through Julian’s arrogance. He recognized the accountant. He had seen Ethan in the corporate building three weeks ago, but had assumed he was an auditor sent by the tax authorities.
“Audrey,” Julian said, his voice dropping an octave as he moved closer to the stage steps. “Whatever game you’re playing, stop it now. We can talk about this at home.”
“We’re not at home, Julian,” Audrey replied softly into the microphone. “And this isn't a game.”
Ethan Shaw stepped up to a second microphone. He pulled out a crisp sheet of paper.
“Over the past eighteen months,” Ethan spoke calmly, “Aurelia Systems disbursed three point four million dollars to three external strategy vendors.”
He looked up, scanning the room.
“The vendors listed in our accounts payable are Crestline Media Solutions, Briar Consulting, and CP Strategic Communications.”
A murmur went through the communications team sitting near the left wall.
“On paper,” Ethan continued, “these entities provided market research and crisis communications. However, our six-week forensic audit revealed that two of these companies have no registered employees, no physical office, and operate entirely out of a single P.O. Box in Wilmington, Delaware.”
Camilla took a sharp step backward. Her heels clicked loudly against the polished floor.
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“Audrey, this is corporate slander!” Julian shouted, his fists clenching at his sides. “Those vendors were approved by executive leadership!”
“They were approved by you, Julian,” Audrey said coldly from the stage. “And tonight, we track where the money went.”
