Missing Heiress - Page 68/169

He shrugged, worked for another hour and at last, she logged on.

Bronco8881: There you are, I've been waiting for you.

Sissy3211: It's laundry day.

Bronco8881: What, no maid?

Sissy3211: Don't I wish.

Bronco8881: What's new?

Sissy3211: Before I left work yesterday, I noticed fees on an account. I checked several others and all of them have fees now.

Bronco8881: What kind of fees?

Sissy3211: Service fees, adjustment fees, and some other kinds. I don't remember the names.

Bronco8881: They're trying to recover the missing money.

Sissy3211: That's what I think too. Once the fees are charged, they will eat up all the deposits. They spent the deposit money, they must have.

Bronco8881: Breaking a major federal law. They are supposed to have the deposits in a special account. They can take the interest, but not the principal. You should tell someone in authority.

Sissy3211: I know, but I can't right now. It is not a good time.

Bronco8881: What does that mean?

Sissy3211: It means it is not a good time. Suppose the authorities close the doors? What happens to all the employees? They would lose their jobs, right?

Bronco8881: Probably.

Sissy3211: I can't do that. The pay is really low as it is, and most of them can't find other jobs right away.

Bronco8881: I see your point, but not going to the authorities might put you at risk. Let me help you.

Sissy3211: You can't help me. Besides, I'll be fine. I learned how to defend myself in school.

Bronco8881: I'm relieved to hear that. Mind if I ask how old you are?

Sissy3211: Ninety-three.

Austin smiled.

Bronco8881: And still working? That's got to be some kind of record. Hope you don't have anything against older men.

Sissy3211: Not as long as you keep your cane polished.

Bronco8881: Bright and shiny.

Sissy3211: Atta boy.

Bronco8881: Seriously, I can help you no matter where you are. I'm worried about your work situation.

Sissy3211: I shouldn't have told you. My fault.

Bronco8881: Who else can you talk to?

Sissy3211: No one, not about this. Jim knows about the missing money, but nothing more. He thinks one of us will get blamed for the shortage somehow.

Bronco8881: Is he right?

Sissy3211: I don't see how they could blame me. I don't have access to the company bank accounts.

Bronco8881: But you do have access to all the account records?

Sissy3211: That I do.

Bronco8881: Jim might be right. Can I give you a phone number to call if you need help?

Sissy3211: I've got one - 911.

Bronco8881: I mean, so you can call me.

Sissy3211: And you would jump on a plane and come to rescue the damsel in distress?