Zero Day (John Puller, #1)(101)
“Very.”
“What’s he doing about it?”
“Whatever he can, but his options are limited. He made some business decisions last year that required an infusion of capital. A lot of it. The revenues he thought would develop from those business decisions never materialized. The debts are still there. He thought he had money to cover it. But with all the money disappearing he’s in a cash flow bind. That’s why Roger was in New York, trying to get some financing help. But the banks still aren’t lending. They’ve tried everywhere they can think of.”
“And now death threats. Maybe from the people ripping him off?”
“I don’t know,” said Jean. “I really don’t.”
“Okay, Trent is a big company, but it’s not GE. And it’s located in a pretty small town. Are you telling me none of you have a clue or even a guess as to who is stealing the company blind? How about Randy?”
“Randy? Why would he do that?”
“He blames Roger for your parents’ death, for one thing.”
“Even so, he would be in no position to steal from Roger. He knows nothing about computers or financial transactions. This was done by people who are very familiar with both.”
“Maybe somebody he’s hooked up with.”
“In Drake? I don’t think so. The situation is getting desperate, though. Roger and Bill are running out of places to turn.”
He said, “How about you? If the company goes under do you lose everything, including the house?”
“Probably. But that’s why I’ve been building up my B-and-B. Not because I suspected Roger was having money troubles, but I… I guess I just wanted to be more independent.”
In spite of himself, Puller felt sorry for her.
“So Roger really has no idea where all this financial chicanery is coming from? He’s a real smart guy. How does he get ripped off and not know how?”
“It’s been driving him and Bill crazy. Their whole lives are tied up in this company. If it goes down, they go down.”
Puller said nothing. He just stared moodily off.
Jean eyed the scars on his neck.
“Middle East?”
He nodded.
“Remember I told you about the young man I loved?”
“The one who didn’t come back from Gulf One?”
“He looked a little like you.”
“Still wish he’d come back?”
“Still,” she said.
He looked around. “You wouldn’t have all this.”
“Maybe I don’t have it now.”
“Maybe you don’t.”
He rose.
“You’re not going to arrest me?”
“No. What you told me helps, though. I appreciate it.”
“I used to be a naturally honest person. Then I married Roger and things changed.”
He headed out the way he’d come in.
“What are you going to do?” she called after him.
“Find a killer.”
CHAPTER
71
“HEY, BILL, HOW GOES IT?”
Bill Strauss had just come out of the Trent office and was heading to his car. Puller was leaning against his Malibu. He’d been waiting out here for nearly an hour.
“Puller? What are you doing here?”
Puller pushed away from the car and walked toward the man. “My job. Got some questions. You have some time?”
Strauss glanced at his watch. “I’m actually late for a meeting.”
“It won’t take long.”
“It can’t wait?”
“Not really, no.”
“Okay, shoot.”
“Blasting last Sunday night. No public notice given. Who authorized it?”
Strauss looked taken aback. “What are you talking about?”
“On Sunday night of last week blasting took place at one of the Trent operations. You have to give public notice. And blasting doesn’t usually take place on Sundays. You have to get special permission. The notice wasn’t given. Was the special permission obtained?”
“I’d have to check the records.”
“Roger said he knew nothing about it. Who at your company oversees that stuff?”
“Technically I do as COO. But I have a lot of duties and I have to delegate. We have people who cover the blasting authorizations and appropriate notice provisions.”
“Then they would be the ones I should talk to?”
“They would. Unfortunately, they’re not at this office. They work in Charleston.”
“Can I get their contact information?”
“Why is this important? Those people weren’t killed at the mining operation.”
“It’s still important. So you’ll get me the contact info?”
“Okay,” Strauss said slowly.
“Great, I’ll expect it tomorrow.”
“I’m not sure—”
Puller cut in. “Seen your son lately?”
“No, why?”
“Just wondering. You a member of the Xanadu club?”
“What? No, I’m not.”
“I’ll let you get on to your meeting.”