"We work with only the finest craftsmen," Harry said, but Sandra caught a slight tension around his eyes. "Quality is our priority."
"Excellent. She's been researching other builders and found some interesting variations in how electrical work is priced." Sandra watched his reaction carefully. "For instance, she spoke with an electrician who quoted his price for a project, but the final homeowner’s billing for electrical work was going to be greatly marked up, even over standard practice."
Harry's smile faltered almost imperceptibly. "Every project is unique. Costs depend on scope, materials, complexity..."
His response was too rehearsed, and Sandra noticed his hands fidgeting with an expensive pen.
“And I find it interesting that the homebuyer would be talking to the subcontractor. That information should be private between the subcontractor and the builder.”
"Be that as it may, she discovered the costs would be significantly different." Sandra leaned forward slightly, playing the concerned attorney. "My client wants to ensure that if she goes with Blackwood Luxury Custom Homes, she’ll understand where those additional costs come from."
Sweat was beginning to bead on Harry's forehead despite the air-conditioning. "We include project management, quality oversight, warranty coverage..."
"I see,” she said, nodding with a smile, confident that Harry was lying. “And you handle all the contractor billing personally?"
The pen stopped moving. Harry's knuckles were white where he gripped it.
"I oversee Shore operations, yes." His voice had grown tight, carefully controlled. "Each project requires detailed coordination."
"That's quite a responsibility,” she gushed, hoping he would think she was impressed. “I imagine you work closely with the same contractors regularly?"
"We have preferred relationships, of course."Click, click, clickwith the pen. "Ensures consistency and excellence."
Sandra smiled professionally. "My client will be reassured to know you're so hands-on with the billing process. She mentioned concerns about cost transparency after hearing from some contractors about large discrepancies between their quotes and final homeowner charges."
Harry's eyes darted to the side. When he stood, his movements were jerky.
"I'm not sure what contractors you've spoken with, but our billing is completely transparent. Any questions about specific charges would need a detailed project review."
"Naturally. I was just hoping to understand your general markup structure." Sandra rose smoothly. "Perhaps I could get some documentation about your standard billing practices? My client appreciates having everything in writing."
"Documentation would need to go through our main office." The words came out rushed, defensive.
"I understand. Well, you've been very helpful." Sandra extended her hand. "I'll let my client know about our conversation."
Harry's handshake was limp. “It was nice to meet you, Ms. O’Neill.”
Sandra walked through the hallway with measured steps, hyperaware of Harry's eyes boring into her back. Only whenshe reached her car did she allow herself to exhale. An idea suddenly hit her, and she drove down the street, parking outside a modest brick building. Seeing the sign on the front door, she pushed ahead into McFarlane and Redding Accountants. Seeing the woman she was looking for, she smiled. "Lia."
Amelia McFarlane turned and smiled widely before walking over to hug Sandra. "Hey! What a surprise!"
"I know I should have called, but do you have about ten minutes to talk?"
"Absolutely. Come on back."
Sandra followed Lia to her office, calling out a hello to the other accountant, Scott Redding. She'd met both of them through American Legion and Auxiliary projects. Both were accountants, but Lia had special skills and certifications that made her the perfect person to talk to.
Once in Lia's office, Sandra quickly got to business, aware that without an appointment, Lia might have another client coming soon. "I know that as a Certified Forensic Accountant, you have the skills I think I need. But all this is on my dime right now... I just need to have you take a look at what I might have uncovered."
"You've piqued my curiosity," Lia exclaimed.
"Possible money laundering."
Lia's eyes widened. "Oh wow!" She leaned forward. "Tell me all."
Sandra showed the contracts and information she'd gathered, and watched as Lia absorbed all she was seeing. Nodding, Lia finally said, "I follow what you're saying, and my curiosity is more than piqued now. I'll need to study these further, but without all the evidence, I can't give a clear judgment on money laundering. But I will be able to tell you if something is going on."
Letting out a long breath, Sandra felt her shoulders relax. "Good. That's all I ask for now. Thank you so much!"
