I carried the grant application and the complete feeding ledger into the board hearing on Friday morning.
I had spent two nights assembling the documents. I had also spent those nights learning what the numbers meant. The sanctuary was not only in debt. It had been borrowing against future transfer payments that had not yet arrived. If Briar Hollow withdrew its offer, we would miss payroll.
The board chair sat at the center of the room. Dr. Vale stood beside her. Tessa held the fox's carrier near the door. Elias sat alone at the far end of the table.
The hearing was open to staff, so I stayed in the room for every part of it.
The chair opened with the findings. The review had confirmed that Elias signed Dr. Vale's name without permission. It had also confirmed he had failed to disclose
