Clarence told her all the problems had begun in the last six months.
What if Marshall hadn’t made a mistake? She stared at the numbers, passing her fingers over the pages and inspecting the totals, the orders, the payments. Everything seemed to be accurate until the customer complaint emails were lined up with the payments. On paper, it said the payments were sent, and Marshall signed off on each transaction.
There must be some detail she was missing. The numbers would tell the story.
She had only given the account a brief look. A more thorough analysis would reveal more issues. Red flags were popping all over these records.
Could someone else have tampered with the accounts or interfered with some transactions? The former accountant had left in such a hurry; could that have something to do with the sudden increase in problems?
Duh, of course.
Her top teeth dug into her bottom lip as she stared at the pages in front of her. She needed more time. And more information from Marshall.
She hoped her questions went over well the next morning. There had to be some explanation for so many issues all of a sudden. Her experience in bigger companies made her instantly suspicious. Sometimes, mistakes were made unintentionally. Other times, it was all according to some bigger plan.
Was Marshall the only one with access to the office and his computer?
Would anyone benefit from Marshall screwing up?
Maybe the Kings had a competitor who was trying to sabotage them?
CHAPTER 5
Colette checked her outfit in the mirror one more time, smoothing out her cardigan and plaid skirt. Her Peter Pan collar was pulled out and perfectly sweet. A dash of fruity gloss and she was ready for her first meeting with Marshall as the Rosebud Ranch accountant.
Reaching for her stack of files on the small desk in the living room, she checked each one. Nothing was missing. Marshall’s grandfather had sent her financial reports and information on their current clients. A few grumpy suppliers had started making noise about the ranch missing financial commitments, and rumors circulated about the quality of their stock. What could have motivated their former accountant to leave behind such a mess? Colette was curious about the same thing.
She made some notes and tucked them into her pink briefcase with a beautiful bow detail. She loved the girly touches and because she was basically working alone, there was no dress code to maintain, only whatever worked for being alone at home or for meetings at the ranch office.
Rosebud Ranch was in dire need of her services from the mess she had already observed in their finances. They arranged to meet in his office as soon as Marshall had completed theearly-morning routine on the ranch and assigned the workers to their tasks for the day.
Strolling in a few minutes early, Colette entered the building and was instantly assailed with the strong odor of hay and horse poop. She pressed a hand to the wall, a shot of panic blasting through her. Closing her eyes, she released a breath and swallowed.
Horses.
How could she still be afraid after this long?
Colette was not a woman who enjoyed animals and their…unpredictability. She was hit with the reality that she might have to interact with them, given her new work environment. Horses were huge and powerful. Terrifying. She clutched her briefcase to her chest and walked slowly down the hallway, searching for the office. Ignoring any snuffing and whinnying sounds coming from the stalls near her, she focussed on her destination. Wooden walls kept the animals in their place, with black open bars to the ceiling making them visible, but only able to stick out their heads from one side of the pen. She peeked around the corner, and her blood ran cold. The offices were at the end of the hallway, all the way past the horse stalls.
What if they bit her?
Did her presence upset them? Colette shivered and whispered words of courage to herself. Quiet as a mouse, she walked between the stalls, her breath shivering in her chest. The horses perked up at the arrival of a new human. An unfamiliar person. With small nervous breaths, Colette took tiny steps, making slow progress to the door at the end of the hall, jumping every time a horse made a sound. She tried to calm her racing heart, knowing they sensed fear or something like that. Would they attack if they knew she was afraid? Did horses attack? Why was that black one eyeing her and sticking his head out as far as it could?
Colette shivered. She jumped at the sudden intrusion of purposeful footsteps coming up behind her.
“Hey, Colette,” Marshall greeted her.
She nearly jumped out of her skin.
Turning, her eyes locked with his.
“Hey, Marshall,” her breathy voice said, heart hammering and close to bursting out of her chest. Marshall seemed to assess her situation quickly, taking in her stiff body and fearful tone.
“Are you nervous around horses?” he asked. Walking beside her with an ease that could only come from years of living on the ranch, she found his presence soothing.
Colette nodded vigorously, relaxing as soon as Marshall pressed a hand to her back.
“Come on, I’ll guide you.” He walked around to face her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Take a few deep breaths. It’s best to stay calm around the animals. They sense your emotions.”
