Page 15 of Justice Denied

“I don’t understand how the accusations against Dad stuck in the first place.”

“Someone needed a scapegoat, and he was the only C-suite executive who wasn’t a Topher.”

Jetta considered the information while taking a sip of water. “You think the true embezzler was someone connected with the Topher family.”

“There are certainly lots to choose from.” Mom’s dry tone eased some of the concern in Jetta’s chest. Her mother sounded more like her old self. “Take a look at the About page on the company website, and you’ll see it’s stuffed with Tophers.”

“Were most of them there when Dad was?”

“Yes, the executives, vice presidents, and directors are all Tophers and had been at the company when Dad was CFO. I did try to get a copy of the forensic accountant’s report but was rebuffed.” Mom sighed, a long, drawn-out sound that seemed to mirror her frustration. “I wasn’t surprised. Dad was the outsider, the one Peter Topher, who founded the company, brought in over the objections of his sons and daughter.”

Jetta digested the info as more questions pounded through her mind. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen to see an incoming text from Seth. She’d read it later, not wanting to be distracted from this conversation.

“As I mentioned, I’ve been thinking about this, and I’ve come to a decision. I’m going to pursue justice for Dad.”

“What do you mean?”

“Last week, I emailed Ryan Topher, CEO of the company, and demanded he clear Dad’s name by reopening the investigation into who took the money.”

“Have you heard back?” Jetta was curious how the company would react to such a direct request.

Mom shook her head. “Not a peep, so yesterday I called and spoke to his administrative assistant, Mae something or other, but the call dropped before I was connected to Ryan.”

“They hung up on you?”

“Maybe, but once we get this new evidence interpreted, we’ll have more ammunition to force them to say Jay wasn’t involved in the embezzlement.”

A knock on the door preceded a woman entering wearing Snoopy scrubs and a red bandana. “Mrs. Ainsley, it’s time for chair yoga.”

“Okay, Alison.”

Jetta moved out of the way as the aide helped her mother back into her wheelchair. “Give me a minute to say goodbye to my daughter.”

“Sure, Mrs. Ainsley.” Alison turned to Jetta. “Just push her chair to the hallway when you’re leaving.”

Jetta nodded. Her mother didn’t speak until the aide had left the room. “Did you make a copy of the papers?”

“In the envelope?” It hadn’t occurred to Jetta to do so.

“Yes.” Mom interpreted Jetta’s question as a negative response. “Would you? I’d feel better knowing this wasn’t the only copy.”

“Why would you say that?” Jetta frowned, as Seth’s insistence in checking her yard for evidence of whatever sickened Bingley and killed the raccoon filtered into her mind.

“Because whoever stole that money has gotten away with it for years.” Emily gripped the envelope. “Please make a copy of these papers.”

“Of course.” Jetta took the envelope, then kissed her cheek. “You sure you’re okay?”

“Determined to see this through.” Mom chuckled. “I’ve probably watched too many Hallmark Mysteries lately and see intrigue behind every shrub.”

“Perhaps lay off those shows for a bit?” She pushed her mother’s wheelchair through the door and into the hall. “But I’ll follow your advice and make copies.”

“When will you be back?”

Alison came out of another resident’s room and headed toward her mother.

“I’ll see if I can return later today.”

“You’ll bring me dinner?”

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