Chapter 9 - The Company Started Coming Apart
The lender froze further advances while reviewing the borrowing request.
Halston BuildWorks did not go bankrupt that night.
Reality was slower.
And worse.
Two subcontractors demanded faster payment after hearing rumors about cash problems.
A supplier shortened payment terms.
One project manager resigned.
Derek accused Claire of causing panic.
But the bank’s records showed the cash shortage existed months earlier.
Claire had merely stopped new money from covering it.
Maya discovered additional transfers to Vanessa’s consulting company.
Some corresponded with no invoices at all.
The company’s other major shareholder, Thomas Peterson, finally became involved.
Derek had apparently kept him unaware of the severity of the problem.
Peterson called Claire personally.
“Did you authorize the credit amendment?”
“No.”
“Did Derek know that?”
“Yes.”
Peterson exhaled.
Then asked a strange question.
“Did Vanessa tell you why she needed the company stabilized until December?”
Claire sat straighter.
“No.”
Another silence.
“Then I’m not sure I should be the one telling you.”
“Tell me.”
Peterson refused.
Not out of loyalty to Derek.
Because he wanted counsel involved first.
That night Claire could not sleep.
Until December.
The phrase bothered her.
Vanessa was not merely taking company money.
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She needed the company alive until a specific date.
There was a second plan underneath the first.
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