My report went to the trustees on a Friday morning. By noon, the Mercer Foundation had issued a statement saying the audit was incomplete and suggesting that I had been influenced by "outside interests."
I knew who that meant.
Everett called me that afternoon. I almost let it go to voicemail. I answered because I wanted to hear what he would say without an audience.
"You're enjoying this," he said.
"No."
"You've found a way to make yourself important."
"I'm doing the work they gave me."
"You're making Dad look like a thief."
"The report doesn't call him that."
"It doesn't have to. It says the accounts are wrong."
"They are."
"Do you think Silas cares about you?"
"I didn't say he did."
"He needs a friendly face for the public. He's been angry since the accident, and everyone kn
