Chapter 6 - A Camera That Never Forgot
Richard Bellmont arrived at the bakery forty minutes later.
At forty-eight, he was now the president of Bellmont Foods.
He had expanded his parents’ small business into three successful locations and a wholesale bread operation.
He was also furious.
“Mom, you can’t walk back into the business after eight months and start interrogating employees.”
Margaret sat inside the old office.
“I can when children are being humiliated in a building I own.”
Richard exhaled.
“Vanessa made a bad judgment.”
“This is bigger than Vanessa.”
Richard looked at Claire.
Claire stood near the filing cabinet.
“Margaret is bringing up Grace Moreno.”
Richard rubbed his forehead.
“Mom.”
“I want the old records.”
“They may not exist.”
“Then find out.”
Richard stared at her.
“You still think Grace was innocent?”
“I never stopped.”
Claire interrupted.
“The evidence was overwhelming.”
Margaret looked at her.
“You seem nervous.”
“I’m annoyed.”
“Good.”
Margaret stood.
“Annoyed people make mistakes.”
Claire’s mouth tightened.
Richard stepped between them.
“That’s enough.”
Margaret turned to her son.
“Do you remember why you fired Grace?”
“Yes.”
“You saw footage of her entering this office.”
“Yes.”
“Did the camera show her opening the safe?”
“No.”
“Did anyone see her take money?”
“No.”
“Did you check who else had access?”
“Of course.”
“Who?”
Richard hesitated.
“Grace.”
“Dad.”
“Claire.”
Claire interrupted.
“And several supervisors.”
Margaret nodded.
“Then why was only Grace investigated?”
Nobody answered.
Richard looked uncomfortable.
“Because money was found in her locker.”
Margaret walked toward the old wall cabinet.
“The security company used to keep backup tapes off-site.”
Richard shook his head.
“That system was replaced years ago.”
Margaret opened the cabinet.
Dust covered several folders.
She removed an old service agreement.
“Midland Security archived commercial footage for fifteen years.”
Richard stared at her.
Claire’s face drained of color.
Margaret held up the document.
“Fourteen months remain.”
Claire suddenly laughed.
“This is absurd.”
“Then you have nothing to worry about.”
Margaret handed the contract to Richard.
“Call them.”
Claire left the office without another word.
Richard watched her go.
May you like
Then he looked at his mother.
For the first time, uncertainty appeared in his face.
