“We believe that,” Officer Brelly said quickly, palms raised.“That’s why we came to tell you ourselves.So far, it looks like Laurens was trying to use the charity as a front.He’s already under investigation.We just wanted you to hear it from us before rumors start flying.”
I swallowed hard.“So you’re saying it’s not over.”
Davies’ tone softened.“Not for them, but I don’t expect it’ll drag out much longer before they’re completely cleared.”
“Why are you telling me this?”I asked.“Isn’t that kind of stuff kept under wraps?”
The two of them glanced at each other before Officer Brelly replied, “Because you’re connected to them, Cadence.”
My stomach dropped as I realized the reason they came here was more than just to make sure Bryan went home.“Connected how?I just help with events—”
Davies shook his head.“Not just events.You were contracted to compose music for the musical they were creating.The very project that connected Laurens to the nonprofit.That work involves invoices, payments, email correspondence, all of which, unfortunately, fall inside the scope of the review.”
The room tilted slightly.“Are you saying I’m being investigated?”
“No,” Davies said firmly.“Let me make that absolutely clear.You are not a suspect.But the financial trail between you and Hope’s Embrace is part of their routine audit.It’s procedural.Anyone who received funds or did work with them in the last fiscal year gets screened.”
Officer Brelly reached into his jacket and pulled out a sealed envelope, holding it out to me.I grabbed it with shaking hands.
“This is a subpoena for access to your financial records, especially related to Hope’s Embrace.Bank statements, any invoices, receipts, contracts, drafts.”
My mouth went dry.“But I didn’t do anything wrong.I’m just a contractor.”
“We know,” Davies said, his voice gentle.“That’s why we wanted to come in person instead of someone else coming.You’ve already been through enough.And honestly?”He sighed.“Your paperwork is probably going to be the cleanest part of this whole mess.”
Officer Brelly nodded.“This isn’t an accusation.It’s just verification.It protects you too.The more transparent you are, the faster you’re cleared and the faster they clear Hope’s Embrace.”
I stared at the envelope, dread coiling in my stomach.“Does Mara know?”
“She does,” Davies said.“She got the same notice this morning.We planned to call you tomorrow, but since you decided to become a kidnapper, we figured this would be easier.”
Officer Brelly spoke up.“This is just paperwork.Nothing more.But it’s important you understand what’s happening so rumors don’t blindside you later.”
“Thanks.”I held up the envelope.“I hope you understand I’ll call my lawyer first and then we’ll work with my financial advisor to make sure you get what you need.”
Officer Brelly held up his hands.“I one hundred percent agree with that.”He gave me a smile.“And if you hadn’t suggested it, I would have.”
“Right,” I mumbled, back to staring at the envelope.I’d had so many firsts when it came to the police, the law, and courts this past year and it seemed it wasn’t going to end anytime soon.
“Cadence, don’t worry.This is something that will resolve on its own,” Davies said.
“If anyone goes after Hope’s Embrace, then I won’t stay quiet,” I said darkly, the words coming out harder than I expected.I refused to sound small.How dare someone like Ardens try to darken such a beautiful organization like Hope’s Embrace.
They both froze for a beat, then I kept going, quieter, lower, speaking in a way that demanded others listen and take things seriously.“I have people I can call.Volunteers, parents of kids they helped, a lawyer who owes me a favor, and a few others who know how to make noise in the right places.I don’t need to start anything violent.I know enough to make sure anyone who tries to use Hope’s Embrace for their own ends regrets the decision.I’ll be careful, but I will not let them drag that charity through the mud.”
Davies’ jaw tightened.“You’ve got fire, Cadence.That’s useful but also dangerous.”He didn’t sound disapproving, only cautious.
Officer Brelly nodded, the patience in his face replaced by the practical look of a cop who’d been through too many messy public feuds.“Right now, things are contained.If you go rallying up support, it won’t be contained anymore.This needs to stay under the radar.We haven’t made any waves yet and Mara has been working with us too.Let’s try to keep it that way?”
I squared my shoulders and stared at them both, refusing to let them intimidate me when it comes to the one thing in this world I absolutely love with all of my being.“Fine.But if this breaks out, I’m fighting back.I won’t let anyone tear Hope’s Embrace down.”
Davies let out a breath that was almost a laugh, half admiration, half warning.“I wouldn’t expect anything less.Just don’t be reckless yet.So far, everything is going well and in Hope’s Embrace’s favor and no one has caught on to what is being investigated.We don’t want to drag their name through the mud either.”
“Fine,” I finally said.
Officer Brelly smiled.“Good.We do have some questions for you, we’ll need a statement from you considering your long history with them and that you were contracted to work with Lauren under their name.Do you mind if we come in and do that real quick?Should be short.”
I nodded and stepped back, letting them inside.I’d do anything for Hope’s Embrace.
