Chapter 9 - The Stars Rachel Left Behind
Leah opened the folder after Noah fell asleep.
The first pages held drawings of planets, crooked rocket ships, and a picture of Rachel and Noah standing beneath a purple sky.
Then a folded envelope slipped out.
FOR LEAH, in Rachel's handwriting.
Her hands shook as she opened it.
Lee,
If you're reading this, I couldn't tell you everything myself. I copied what I could without using the work printer. Don't put this on social media. Take it to someone who can protect the records and the people in them. Please believe me about the doors.
Behind the note were photographs of invoices, internal budget pages, and an email printout.
Leah recognized Harbor House's planned upgrades: fire alarms, emergency lighting, and new exit hardware.
Every item had been marked PAID.
None had been installed.
At the bottom of the last page, beneath the words AUTHORIZATION PENDING, Rachel had written in thick ink: NOT APPROVED. DOOR HARDWARE NOT INSTALLED.
"She would never have signed off on this," Leah whispered.
The next morning, Price collected the originals in evidence sleeves.
Amir came with her.
"Can they say these are fake?" Leah asked.
"They can say anything," Price replied.
"We verify where every page came from."
Amir studied Rachel's note.
"She knew she might lose her job. Maybe she knew she was in danger."
"And I kept telling her to quit."
"You asked her to come stay with you. Don't turn concern into blame."
Leah wiped her eyes.
"I just wish I had been there."
Price's phone rang.
She stepped into the hallway, listened, then returned with a changed expression.
"We located the company's payment records," she said.
"Those safety funds were transferred to a different project."
May you like
"What project?" Leah asked.
"The ballroom where Vivian attacked Noah."
