Page 27 of Lost Without You
Ethan cocked his head. “You have to understand that there was very little protection for white collar whistleblowers back then. Also, many construction companies and even accounting firms at that time had links to organized crime. My best guess, given what we’ve discovered, is that June found out that Walter was on to them and silenced him. With the one thing Walter valued above everything else—his family.”
“So it’s probable that they discovered he was on to them and may have harmed him. But this is a fraud scheme. What is that, like, a few years in minimum securityifthey’re found guilty? Would that be worth hurting someone?” Rachel whispered.
Ethan reached out and took her hand in his, giving her whatever comfort he could offer.
“People have done terrible things for less,” Ethan murmured. “And the fraud could be the tip of the iceberg. Remember what Helen told us about the other auditor in their group? Finley Hatch? Well, I did some research this morning, and it turns out he died the day your dad went missing. He fell down the stairs at home and his death was ruled an accident. But given what we’ve just learned about the ledgers, and the timing of your father leaving, it makes me wonder.”
“The CEO, Harrison, is a well-connected man in this city, and also nationally and internationally. He has friends in finance, law enforcement, legal and not so legal circles. I did some digging—not going to tell you where—and Harrison has ties with people who are reputed to be involved in criminal organizations. I’m also guessing that given how close June and Harrison were, Harrison is aware of what happened, maybe even sanctioned it.”
“This is a lot to take in. What do we do now?” Rachel asked, looking pale.
“We should hand over the disk and Lane’s analysis to Dalton for further investigation,” Ethan replied. “The statute of limitations for fraud is five years. But I’m hoping the evidence can be used to open a missing persons case for your father. That would allow the FBI to dig into the firm. But as Lane mentioned, Harrison has a lot of resources, money, and connections. You need to seriously consider what this might mean for your health and safety.”
“If you’re suggesting I just ignore this information and move on with my life then you are out of your mind! If I have even the slightest hope of finding out what happened to my father, then going public may give us more answers. And if Harrison or anyone else at his firm has committed a crime, they need to be held accountable,” Rachel bit out as she stood up, pulling back her hand.
Ethan joined her and faced off. “I’m not suggesting we do nothing, but there’s a lot to consider. Are you willing to put your safety, your life, on the line?”
Just the very thought of Rachel being hurt or worse made Ethan’s blood turn to ice.
“Yes, I am. Now you can either come with me back to the FBI field office, or you can recuse yourself. What will it be?” she asked as her determined blue eyes locked on his.
Ethan stepped closer, reaching for her hand.
“You need to talk to your family first, Rachel, before you do anything. Think of Ryker and Wes, and how this might impact their plans.”
Ryker and Wes were starting a family. This revelation might upend all that, not to mention Ryker wasn’t too happy about Rachel’s search to begin with and the strain this news might put on their relationship.
The stakes were high, and the fallout could be worse than imagined.
Rachel bit her lip and Ethan looked at her. He recognized the moment she second guessed her decision.
“If you don’t mind me interrupting,” Lane murmured beside them. “Talk to your family first. If they’re on board, then do what successful whistleblowers have done and make a formal and very public press statement. That is non-negotiable. Get it out in the open so everyone knows who you are. It also puts the accused under a microscope, so if anything should happen to you…”
“He’s right,” Ethan interrupted.
He should have thought of that, but he was fraught with anxiety about Rachel. It was necessary to stay calm. Panicking wouldn’t help anyone.
“Okay, let’s start with my family first,” Rachel murmured.
“Let me text Dalton and set up a meeting. In the meantime, we’ll talk to Rachel’s mom and brother.”
“Feel free to give Dalton my contact information,” Lane replied as he stood up. “I’m happy to be called in and help in whatever way I can. Also, I made a duplicate of the disk for safe keeping. I’ve secured it and I have a protocol in place. Should anything happen to me it will be delivered to the FBI. I’m paranoid that way.”
“It’s good in this instance. Thanks, Lane, we appreciate all your help,” Ethan replied as he reached out and shook Lane’s hand. “We better get going.”
They drove back to Manhattan, but Rachel was noticeably silent. She was on her phone, typing away until they reached the hotel. They both got out and walked into the lobby.
She finally turned to Ethan. “Okay, so we’re going over to mom’s place tomorrow morning. Ryker and Wes will be there, too. We can have it all out and see what the plan is.”
“Rachel, maybe you should…”
“Stop, Ethan. I’ll talk to my family first. I know you’re worried, but it’s really none of your concern,” she replied with a cool gaze.
“I think it is,” he said as he moved closer to her.
His heart pounded out an uneven rhythm. It hadn’t slowed down since they left Lane’s.
“I took you on as a client, but I think of you as a friend. And I’ve dealt with all kinds of criminals, and I can tell you with certainty that high profile ones will do what it takes to come out on top. If the FBI opens a case on your father and Harrison feels threatened, he may lash out. Maybe things are better left alone.”