Chapter 24 - Charles Loses the Company
The county suspended Whitmore Construction from public contracts.
The board removed Charles as chairman.
Several employees blamed Rebecca for cooperating with police.
Others thanked her.
Investigators found that Dale used company fuel cards, storage sites, and vehicles for years.
The financial losses were significant.
But the greater damage was trust.
Charles accepted a plea agreement for obstruction.
He avoided a long prison sentence but paid heavy fines and served months in county custody.
Before reporting, he visited Rebecca.
“I built that company for you.”
“You built it for your name.”
“I protected our employees.”
“You protected a secret.”
Charles asked whether she could forgive him.
Rebecca answered honestly.
“Not yet.”
May you like
He nodded.
It was the first consequence he did not attempt to negotiate.
