Ledger: Nashville Justice

By Cole Steele

In the high-stakes legal thriller, "Ledger," an intricate corporate scandal propels defense attorney Lori Tolliver and her astute investigator, Shaun, into a whirlpool of deceit and betrayal. Lori's newest client, Melanie Blake, an unsuspecting accountant for the solar energy titan Aurora Systems, becomes the scapegoat for an elaborate embezzlement scheme. But Lori suspects there's far more to the case than what's on the surface.

As Melanie's life spirals into chaos, Lori and Shaun venture beyond the courtroom into the dark underbelly of corporate greed. What they discover is a ticking time bomb of fraud, treachery, and malevolent intent, where the lines between the innocent and the guilty blur.

Against a backdrop of twisting narratives and shadowy figures, Lori must navigate a labyrinth of lies and unravel the truth before time runs out. Can she expose the real perpetrators within Aurora's walls and save Melanie from an undeserved fate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cole Steele
• Release date: Jun 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223614029

Cole Steele

Cole Steele is a versatile and talented author residing in the United States. With a vivid imagination and a knack for storytelling, Cole Steele has successfully created two enthralling book stories and a captivating short story series. Cole Steele is deeply grateful to the writers who first ignited his passion for storytelling and provided the inspiration to embark on this creative journey.

Book preview

ONE

A curtain of rain draped over Nashville as the moving van rumbled to a halt outside the Blake family's new home. Melanie Blake took a deep breath, looking out the car window at the brick-fronted house. It wasn't as grand as their home in Farmington Hills, Michigan, but it was a fresh start.

Her husband Drew took her hand, giving it an encouraging squeeze. His recent layoff from the automotive sector had thrown their lives into a state of uncertainty. It was this unexpected turn of events that had led to Melanie accepting a job at Aurora Systems in Nashville. She would be an accountant for one of the largest solar power companies in Tennessee. The generous salary and benefits offered, more than double what she had been making before, had made the decision to relocate a no-brainer.

As Drew looked at her, his brown eyes filled with an unspoken question. Are we going to be okay here? Melanie managed a smile, hoping to ease his concerns. She squeezed his hand back. We will, Drew. It's just another adventure, she reassured him.

Their twin daughters, Sadie and Sophie, were in the backseat of the car, their faces glued to their phones. Uprooting their lives to start middle school in a new city hadn't been popular with them. Melanie felt a pang of guilt but brushed it off. This move was necessary, and she hoped that with time, they would come to see it that way too.

Later that evening, after the moving van had been emptied and their new house began to look like a home, Melanie sat at her new home office desk. Her mind filled with anticipation and a touch of anxiety about her first day at Aurora Systems tomorrow. She was eager to prove herself and secure their family's future in this new city.

Just as she was about to shut down her computer, an email notification popped up. It was from her new boss at Aurora Systems, a welcome message. It ended with a line that read, You are a key part of our team, Melanie. We believe in you, and we know that you will do great things here.

Melanie couldn't help but smile. The reassurance was comforting, and she felt a renewed sense of determination.

TWO

Melanie Blake's first encounter with Eli Starr occurred on her second day at Aurora Systems. When she entered the modern, expansive conference room for the staff meeting, she found the place buzzing with an anticipation that seemed out of place for a typical corporate gathering.

At the head of the room was Eli Starr, the man behind the company's exceptional rise in the solar energy sector. He stood tall, a commanding figure with a silver streak of hair that added an air of distinction to his persona. His piercing blue eyes were sharp, insightful, reflecting the intelligence that had propelled him to the top.

His attire was as sophisticated as the man himself - a tailored navy suit that was neither ostentatious nor bland, teamed with a crisp white shirt and a tie that subtly echoed the company's vibrant logo. The choice spoke of a meticulous attention to detail that was apparent in every aspect of Aurora Systems' operations.

What made Eli Starr stand out, however, was not his physical attributes, but his unique blend of excellent business acumen and innate charm. His speeches, laden with innovative ideas and ambitious plans, were delivered with such finesse that they could persuade even the harshest skeptics. His ability to connect with people, to make each employee feel valued, was nothing short of inspirational.

Despite his stature, he didn't sequester himself in an ivory tower. Instead, he had an open-door policy, encouraging employees to share their thoughts and ideas. Melanie couldn't help but admire him; after all, it was