And the only way Kizzie could figure that out was to talk to Noah.
Gayle Carter wasn't angry.
She was furious.
But after Kizzie had talked the rifle out of her hands, Kizzie suggested they get their wits together before making her discovery public knowledge. She needed to talk with Noah first and get his perspective. Perhaps there was a logical reason for such a cost hike to a woman who everyone knew wasn't too keen at keeping the books.
But Gayle thought of another plan.
A few other business owners she'd spoken with had also experienced unexpected high costs from Lewis Mills over the past few months. So over the next several days, Kizzie covered the shop so Gayle could meet with them.
Of the six who had cost hikes, four had reasons that their bookkeeping had fallen behind.
One was due to the husband being ill. Another was because the wife had died and the husband struggled with keeping the books in his grief. Another couple whose business was already failing didn't realize they'd been overcharged, because their son had died in the war, and he'd been the one managing most of the business before he left. The last was because the wife had given birth to twins and couldn't tend to the books for a few months.
Ignorant or despairing … and too busy.
George knew the people of the town and preyed upon the ones who were in difficult circumstances. Took advantage of their weaknesses.
No wonder he'd gotten away with it.
The wronged people gave their records to Gayle without hesitation.
George Lewis’ signature marked every one of them.
All the pieces came crashing together.
George's constant complaints about needing more money but wearing the latest fashion. His unwillingness to raise the mill workers’ salaries yet affording his massive new house.
He had to have gotten the money from somewhere, and a few robberies wouldn't have been enough.
With the paperwork in her satchel and Charlie on her lap, Kizzie got in her buggy and sped to the Lewis’ house. Noah must have seen her approach, because he met her at the door, his forehead crinkled with concern.
“What's the matter?”
She thrust Charlie into his arms, which resulted in a grin from both of them, and then raised her bag for his view. “I think I've figured out a way your brother's getting extra money. I'm not sure, and it will take some searching on your part, but … I've got an idea.”
“What?” His gaze flashed to her face, and he took a step over the threshold and gestured her inside. “I'll get Mother. She's uncovered a few things herself.”
“I can't believe he'd stoop to such a level.” Victoria sat on a nearby chair, looking over the ledgers. “Those poor people.”
Kizzie scanned the papers, trying to piece together why in the world George Lewis would try something that hurt his reputation in such a small town but also, if someone knew what to look for, was easy to find.Desperate people don't always use their best brains,as Daddy used to say.
“If that's even what he did,” Kizzie reminded her. “I mean, all we've got to go on is the fact he charged some folks in town more than others, but we don't know if he skimmed off the top of those charges unless we can see the mill's books.”
“And if he did, is it even illegal?” Noah waved to the papers scattered on the desk in his office. “He charged them, and they paid the price he charged. Any business owner is allowed those liberties from a legal standpoint.”
“Hestolefrom them, Noah.” Victoria's response edged with contained fury. “From our neighbors, using our business.”
“I ain't the smartest person in this room,” Kizzie interjected. “But if the other business folks start talking, some reporter's gonna have a grand time sharing this information, and I'd say the news wouldn't fare too well for George or his future.”
“Or Lewis Mills,” Noah added, releasing a sigh. “But if we can control the narrative, it would cause less damage. And if George paid back what he overcharged, we might still have a chance to keep the repercussions small.”
“Your reputation and your mama's will help counter George's, I'd say.” Kizzie looked at them. “Everyone in The Hollows thinks the two of you are some of the best people in the world. And like you said, Noah, if the information comes out honest and worded rightly, then it will sting George, but not kill Lewis Mills.”
“We hope,” Victoria said. “Though, if it does kill the mill, the fault will fall on George's head, and he won't have the collateral to bail himself out.”
Kizzie glanced between the two of them. “What did you learn?”
