Loans, Lust, and Lies

By Cara Addison

When it’s discovered that millions have been embezzled from the loan portfolio at Atlantic Bank, top executives Kane McGregor and Matthew King must find the perpetrator.

The forensic investigator assigned to their case is the sexy and alluring Aubreigh Delany. She and her team of professionals from WR& Associates have been tasked with uncovering the truth behind the massive loan scandal. For weeks, they work to uncover one mystery after another as they identify and gradually eliminate suspects with the motive and means to have carried out such a brazen and elaborate scheme.

Once eliminated as suspects, both Kane and Matthew find Aubreigh too tempting to resist. Breaking all of the rules, she allows herself to become entangled in a love triangle, secretly hoping it will aid in her investigation.

Author Cara Addison will take you on a journey through the files and minds of each suspect, finally revealing who perpetrated the fraud, as we find out exactly how loans, lust, and lies come together for the ultimate embezzlement scheme.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cara Addison
• Release date: Dec 31, 2014
• ISBN: 9780994016508

Cara Addison

Born and raised in Southern Ontario, Cara Addison has used drive, tenacity, ambition, and out-of-the-box thinking to ascend the Canadian corporate ladder to shatter the preverbal glass ceiling. As the CEO of a government firm, Cara prefers to be out in the trenches, working to provide solutions rather than sitting behind a desk. Over her fifteen-year career, Cara has given back to her community, supporting her philanthropic interests as she provides strategic governance on numerous boards of directors. While Cara loves to succeed in her work, it was an impromptu challenge to herself that led her to sit down one day and write a piece of fiction that was worthy of publication. Being an avid daydreamer since childhood, she transferred her own wit and humor to the narrative and dialogue of the characters that resided in her imagination. Words poured onto the page and within weeks, she had a full-length novel with characters, events, and situations that were influenced by the people and places in her everyday life. In typical fashion, Cara found herself submitting ‘Passion, Power, and Privilege‘ to a publisher just thirty days after Kate Callahan and Bradley Taylor materialized in her imagination. Having boldly submitted her first manuscript she began writing another while balancing the demands of work and a young family. Remarkably, Cara has managed to juggle her career, motherhood, and the creative process of writing. In the past twelve months, this literary newcomer has written and published a total five full-length novels. According to this prolific author, a sixth is in the works. As the mother of two young daughters, Cara involves her girls as she indulges in outdoor adventures, shares her love of new travel destinations, tends to the backyard vegetable patch, and uses those fresh ingredients in her everyday cooking. With a growing catalogue of novels, Cara uses her social media savvy to engage and interact with readers. Her playful, clever, and sometimes naughty banter resonates with male and female readers alike. Cara’s novels include: Passion, Power, and Privilege Going The Distance The Fortuitous Pen [Sequel to Going The Distance] Every Second Weekend Loans Lust and Lies

Book preview

Chapter 1

The hotel convention room was crowded and buzzing with conversation and electric energy. Every single shareholder of Atlantic Bank was in attendance for the emergency meeting. 

Matthew King had been the company treasure for more than a decade, leading the financial institution through its recent IPO and listing on the stock market. While it wasn’t a global company, the savings and loan company was the largest on the eastern seaboard, handling $2.8 billion in assets. He took a deep breath and a large gulp of water as he prepared to address the shareholders who were anxious to hear why they had been called together. 

CEO, Kane McGregor cleared his throat and glanced at his watch for what felt like the twentieth time in the past five minutes. He looked over at Matthew and the other VPs who were gathered on the stage before admitting, it’s time to get started.

The room came to an instant hush as Kane stood and walked to the podium. He looked around the room where hundreds had gathered, making eye contact with key shareholders in the front row before he began.

Thank you for joining us today, he began. To his own surprise his voice sounded strong and calm. We appreciate that you have busy lives and that you’ve made it a priority to be here today, he continued. 

Matthew shuffled uncomfortably in his chair. 

We’ve summoned you here today under unfortunate circumstances.  He didn’t see the point in delaying the inevitable having decided to get right to delivering the unfortunate news.  During the course of our annual audit, it was discovered that a significant amount of Atlantic Bank’s loan assets have been embezzled.

There was a collective gasp in the room. Shareholders whispered amongst themselves for a moment before one of the biggest investors in the front row stood up and calmly asked, how much is significant?

Kane looked down at the podium to consult notes that didn’t exist. He had committed the figure to memory the moment the president of the accounting firm had revealed this horrible reality to him two days earlier. $70 million dollars.

The silent room instantly erupted in gasps and cries and shouting as the reality sunk in. 

Kane raised his hand to hush the crowd who eventually obliged. Matthew King, Vice President of Finance will now address you as we discuss how to move forward from here. He turned to his colleague. Matthew King, ladies and gentlemen.

Matt’s knees were weak as he stood and walked across the stage. He was a numbers guy, not a public speaker. At this moment, he wasn’t even confident in his numbers game. He felt sick that the company had been defrauded on his watch. He also knew that as the head of the finance department, the security of funds was his responsibility and there would be tough questions to answer. 

He took a sip of water before he began. Ladies and gentlemen— his voice cracked like he was a teenaged boy. He stopped and took another sip of water before continuing. Shareholders, Kane is correct. During our recent audit, it was discovered that a sizeable loan was written to a company that does not exist.  He paused. It appears that this is not a sole occurrence.  He waited for the crowd to hush before continuing.  We believe that as your executive staff, every effort should be made to find out who is responsible for perpetrating this fraud.

He let the crowd evaluate his statement. We have consulted with three of the top forensic auditing firms in the city, and they have each prepared a proposal for services.  He held up the paper documents that had arrived on his desk just two hours earlier. It was also his cue for the lights to dim as his keynote presentation came to life on the large screens to his left and right. 

For the next ten minutes, he went through the highlights of each proposal, finishing his presentation with a cost comparison for services. 

As he finished, the lights flickered back on and the crowd returned their focus to the man of the hour. 

First, we need to agree that an investigation is warranted and that as shareholders, you’re interested in recovering the funds.

Daniel Jenkins was a sizeable stockholder. He stood from the second row. I would like to make a motion that we pursue a forensic investigation with the intention of identifying the perpetrators and recovering the embezzled funds.

Cynthia Strong stood from the second row. I second that motion.

Matthew turned toward Kane’s Executive Assistant who had been tasked with taking minutes for the emergency meeting. Could you please read back the motion? he requested. 

Karileah finished typing and reviewed the sentence before audibly reading back the motion. 

Is there any discussion? Matt asked as he scanned the silent room. Seeing none, I call for a vote. All in favor?

Instantly, hands around the room shot up into the air with one shareholder adding damn straight to his vote. 

All opposed? Matt asked, although he knew the vote would be unanimous. 

The motion is carried.  He glanced down at the podium to review his prepared notes. Having seen the submitted proposals, how would the shareholders wish to proceed?

Jim McDonald stood from the fourth row. I’d like to make a motion that we immediately retain the firm of William Robertson and Associates to conduct the forensic audit.

Jason Spade stood next. I second the motion.

Again, Matt turned to Karileah. He noticed her furrowed brow as she typed. Even under intense scrutiny, she was stunningly beautiful.  He smiled on the inside, appreciating the pleasant distraction from the tension of the meeting. 

Karileah read back the motion and then Matt called for discussion. Again, there was none. It was clear that the shareholders wanted answers and more importantly, they wanted their money back. He called for the vote. Without exception, the entire room supported the decision to hire the firm who had promised to uncover the paper trail of fraud in short order. He was marginally surprised at the support for WR&A. They weren’t the cheapest bid. They were however, the firm with the most experience and a solid reputation for success. 

The motion is carried. Matt announced. "We’ll be in contact with WR&A first thing tomorrow and get this fraud resolved in as timely a fashion as possible. He looked to his colleague.

Kane gave a slight nod. 

This meeting is adjourned, Matt announced. 

The crowd immediately erupted in discussion as shareholders wondered aloud at how such a travesty could happen at the illustrious financial institution. Some even quietly gossiped about who the perpetrator might be, wondering if it might even be someone on this very stage or amongst them. 

A group of shareholders immediately surrounded Kane and Matt, eager to share their hypothesis on the financial rape of the institution. 

We’ll want to keep a tight lid on this, one said as others nodded in agreement. 

Senior staff have been given a gag order, Kane assured them. 

I’ve had some experience with William Robertson and Associates, Daniel Radisson said. Top notch firm. They’ll get to the bottom of this.

Kane listened closely. I’ve met Scott William on the golf course, Kane admitted. "But I’m not sure I’m familiar with anyone else at their firm.

Daniel shook his head. Scott’s not likely to be the point person on our file. I don’t think he’s been active in the office for years. I’d recommend we ask for Aubreigh.

Kane repeated the name. Aubreigh.  Her name rolled comfortably off his tongue. 

Daniel nodded. She may be a woman with a strange and mysterious name, but she’s sharp. She knows the numbers, but she can also sniff out deceit within one interrogation.

Kane’s face blanched. He suddenly realized what they were all in for. Secrets would be uncovered. Personal information would be revealed. I’ll put in a request for her. 

Good move Kane, Daniel commented as he observed the blood drain from the company leader’s face. I can’t help but wonder who had the balls to pull this off.

Kane nodded. I’ve been trying not to let my mind wander. I’d rather not jump to conclusions.

Probably wise. Daniel concurred. But make no mistake. The team at WR&A will ask tough questions as they try to flush out who is responsible. You won’t believe what you know about people until the questions start to fly.

Kane groaned inwardly. He’d have to mentally prepare himself for the interrogation. 

* * * *

Three blocks away, the senior staff at WR&A were gathering for their weekly staff meeting.  Glenn Robertson led the meeting, heading the stray staff from the hall and into the conference room so they could begin on time. Once everyone was seated, Glenn began. 

Let’s get an update on your active files, he invited. 

One by one, the senior investigators went through their case files. Two associates reported that files had been closed with each being forward to law enforcement for prosecution of fraud. Any challenges to report? Glenn inquired before preparing to hand out new assignments. Minor discussion ensued as two associates requested assistance. 

That left thirty-two active files. He shuffled the folders in front of him. We have a few new accounts, he announced. Kenneth, I know you’re almost finished your current investigation. I’d like you to take on this small project. A non-profit organization has a $3,500 discrepancy they need investigated. They don’t suspect fraud, but you never know what you’re going to find.  Heads knowingly nodded around the room. It was often the small accounts that turned into the gutsiest plans that were simply caught in their infancy. Thomas, I’d like you and your team to take on this file.

One associate sat quietly. Having just returned from vacation, she was surprised she hadn’t been the first associate handed an assignment. She began to get restless, having sat through a ninety-minute meeting where she had zero participation. 

Glenn looked up over the rim of his glasses and scanned the room, stopping when he reached his target. Aubreigh. I don’t have an active file for you.

She glared at him. It was no secret that there was no love lost between Aubreigh and her boss. She’d originally come to work at the firm because of her previous work experience with Scott. Now that he was a silent partner and Glenn handled the day-to-day operations, she was less than exuberant about the company hierarchy. 

What the fuck! she exclaimed. 

Glenn held up his hand, putting her outburst at an instant stand still. I have a file Aubreigh, but I don’t have a signed letter of engagement from the client. I expect it later today. Turns out, he added with a sigh, they’ve specifically requested you. 

Aubreigh sat up straight and cocked her head. Who was this client?  Who had requested her services?

Glenn dismissed the team, requesting she stay behind to review the potential new account. 

This came up suddenly, he explained once the room had cleared. He watched as she opened the file and scanned the barely there contents. She raised an eyebrow as her eyes scanned the client name. Atlantic Bank? she questioned with a whisper. I’m a little surprised to see that name on my desk.

It was a shock to me too, Glenn admitted. They called earlier this week. They had an emergency meeting of shareholders yesterday. They voted to retain our services.

What’s the story? she asked as she scanned the case synopsis. She swore when she read the amount of money they suspected had been embezzled.  

* * * *

The next morning, Aubreigh arrived at the office to find the signed letter of engagement from Atlantic Bank on her desk. And so it begins, she muttered to herself. While she loved her work, returning from a well-earned vacation had her spirit reluctant to jump back into a case. Especially a case of this magnitude. 

She spent the morning conducting online research into the officers of the company, familiarizing herself with the key players she would be engaging over the next few weeks. Maybe months, she reminded herself. As she conducted background checks into the financial solvency of each executive, she was intrigued to learn that more than one executive had taken personal financial hits in recent years and she could identify a motive for any one of them to consider defrauding the company. She took copious notes before finally closing her journal. She picked up the phone and dialed the main switchboard at Atlantic Bank. 

Thank you for calling Atlantic Bank, came the greeting. How may I direct your call?

Kane McGregor’s office please.

She took a sip of coffee as she waited for the call to be put through. Barely a second later, a calm crisp voice came on the line. Kane McGregor’s office. How can I help you?

She should have called his direct line. She was in no mood to deal with a gatekeeper. The woman who answered sounded like the ultimate in professional. This is Aubreigh Delany calling from William, Robertson and Associates, she said tersely. "I’m calling to make an appointment to meet with Mr. McGregor.

Kane has been expecting your call Miss Delany. I’ll put you right through.

Well, at