Chapter 11 - Closed Until Further Notice
The county fire inspector arrived at Pine Hollow at eight forty-five. Her name was Mara Whitely, and she had the unhurried manner of someone who didn't need to raise her voice to be heard.
She examined the north exit, checked the records, and tested the door herself. Mae Barlow watched without speaking. When Mara stepped into the hallway again, she placed a temporary closure notice on the front entrance.
"No public occupancy until these conditions are corrected and reinspected," she said. "Whoever issued the online clearance had no authority to do so."
For the first time since the wedding, I could breathe.
A reporter approached. "Mr. Rowan, did your company certify unsafe doors to collect state grant money?"
"No. We've reported forged documents and unsafe conditions. The center will stay closed while the authorities investigate."
"Your seal is on the permit."
"A seal isn't proof the person named on it approved the work."
She held up her phone. A new post showed me entering the building the previous night, edited beneath the words MAN CAUGHT COVERING UP HIS OWN FAILED INSPECTION.
Asha came out behind me carrying a box of records. "The charity's board has suspended our contract pending review," she whispered. "I don't blame them. But we may not make payroll Friday."
I thought of the twenty-two people at our office who had nothing to do with Brielle's lies. I would have to face each of them.
At the truck, Detective Brooks was waiting with an investigator from the county's financial-crimes unit.
"Daniel, we'd like you to come in voluntarily and explain how your company credentials were used," Renee said. "Bring counsel if you want."
"Of course."
May you like
The investigator opened his folder. In the top sleeve was a photograph of my office access card.
"Your card entered the building at two fourteen Sunday morning," he said. "Were you there?"
