Fatal Accounting by William Coleman

Author:William Coleman [Coleman, William]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-08-12T00:00:00+00:00

32

Jack pulled into the parking lot of Havencroft Financial Group and saw the forensic accountant standing beside his car. He had worked with the man once before, but he was at a loss as to what his name was. Trying several names out loud as he parked, none of them sounded right. He stepped out of his car and held out a hand to the man.

“Detective.” The man shook his hand with a firm pumping action. “It’s been a while.”

“It has,” Jack agreed. The accountant was tall and lean and reminded Jack of an actor from the fifties or sixties. Ironically, Jack couldn’t remember the actor’s name either.

“Shall we get started?” The man was looking up at the office building. “Financial companies take forever. Especially if they are trying to hide something.”

A short time later they stepped into the lobby where Kyra Strickland sat behind her desk.

“Detective.” She looked up. “We weren’t expecting you today.”

“Is Ms. Wallis available?” Jack asked.

“I’m afraid not,” Kyra smiled slyly. “She had to take her car to the shop. An almost new Mercedes and already needing repairs. Can you imagine? Do you want to make an appointment?”

“That won’t be necessary.” Jack held up a folded piece of paper. “We have a warrant. Who would be in charge?”

“Just a minute.” The smile faded from Kyra’s face as she picked up her phone and punched in an extension. She spoke in a hushed voice to whoever answered the other end. A moment later she hung up and turned back to Jack. “He’ll be right out.”

“I’m sure he will,” Jack smirked.

As promised, a man stepped into the lobby from the back offices. He had one of those looks, the kind that suggested he didn’t like to be bothered with the little things; like the day-to-day operations, employees, or anything unpleasant. He examined the two men dirtying up his lobby and struggled to hide the distaste in his expression. Jack stepped forward with an extended hand.

“Detective Jack Mallory.” He shook his hand in much the same way the forensic accountant had shaken his. “And you are?”

To his credit, the man held his ground to Jack’s approach. “Victor. Victor Havencroft. Kyra said you have a warrant. What’s this about?”

“Havencroft?” Jack released the man’s hand. He pointed to the logo on the wall above Kyra’s head. “As in . . .”

“Yes,” Victor acknowledged. “This is my company. Now please explain why you’re here.”

“Of course.” Jack took a step back. He shifted to one side and held out a hand toward the accountant. “This is . . .”

“Um, Daniel Fisher.” The lean man looked at Jack. “You can call me Dan.”

Jack snapped his fingers. “That’s right. Dan.” He turned back to Victor. “Dan, here, is a forensic accountant. He is here to look through your books.”

“Our books?” Victor looked up at Dan. “Looking for what?”

“Motive, of course.” Jack handed the warrant to Victor. “What else?”

“Motive for what?” Victor looked confused.

“For murder.” It was Jack’s turn to be confused. “You are aware one of your employees was killed.

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