Chapter 9 - The Report Nobody Read
Mara refused to meet at Nina's apartment. She met Priya and Nina at a busy café across from the public library, holding a folder to her chest.
"I quit because Nicole made me withdraw your complaint," Mara said. "She told me the board had approved every payment and that asking again would make me personally liable for delays."
"Did you withdraw it?" Nina asked.
"I marked it resolved in the system. I regret it. But I saved the original report."
The report listed six payments to North Quay Community Partners, totaling more than two million dollars. Each was described as relocation planning. No site had been leased, no replacement classrooms designed, and no program directors consulted.
"Who's behind North Quay?" Nina asked.
Priya unfolded a corporate filing obtained through lawful public records. "An entity managed by Adrian Vale. Nicole's brother."
Mara covered her face. "I thought it was careless bookkeeping."
"That's what they wanted us to think," Nina said.
Priya cautioned them against assuming every payment was stolen. Some might be recoverable fees, others legitimate work. The auditor still needed invoices and evidence of services. The conflict of interest should have been disclosed.
Mara put a second page on the table. It was the staffing request for the gala. At the bottom, typed in capital letters, were the words: NINA ORTIZ REQUIRED - NO SUBSTITUTIONS.
"Nicole knew you would recognize the grant figures," Mara said. "She wanted you there anyway."
Nina thought of the black folio, the false cash envelope and the sudden slap. Nicole hadn't invited a witness to make peace. She had invited someone she could accuse in public.
Outside the café, a man in a dark coat stopped beside the window. He held up his phone and photographed their table.
Mara started to stand. Nina shook her head. "Stay."
Priya called the café manager and asked him to preserve security footage. By the time he reached the window, the man was gone.
May you like
Then Mara's phone buzzed. She read the text and went white.
THE MONEY IS ALREADY GONE. YOU CAN'T UNDO THE SALE.
