Page 31 of Midnight Enemy

“No, thank you.”

“Come and see us tonight, okay?” he says to her.

She nods. “Of course.”

We both watch him walk away.

Scarlett glances at me, and then we continue walking.

“Why did you ask if he has any help?” she asks.

I slide my hands into my trouser pockets as I think about how to answer. “Do you know if the commune has any kind of audit system?”

“What do you mean?”

“Does anyone else check the books? Or does George do it all on his own?”

“He does it on his own. He’s very competent.”

“I’m sure he is. But it’s always important to have financial systems checked by an independent party.”

“Why?”

I frown at her. Is she really that naive? “To make sure the books aren’t being cooked.”

“Cooked?”

“Altered.”

She stares at me. “George would never do that.”

“Sweetheart, I understand that the success of the commune depends on everyone trusting everyone else, but if you are going to make a decision about your land, you need to take off your rose-tinted glasses.”

She looks astonished. “What are you implying?”

“I’m not implying anything. I’m just saying it’s not a great idea to have one person in charge of a company’s finances.”

“Because you think everyone can be tempted if the price is high enough.”

“Absolutely.”

“That’s bullshit.” Her face flushes. “I trust every single one of the Elders.”

“That’s commendable and sweet.”

“Don’t talk to me like I’m five years old.”

“Then don’t act like it. I’m an expert in finance. I run my business with my best friend. I’ve known him since high school and I’d trust him with my life, and vice versa. But we still have an independent company come in to audit us. It helps us trust one another—it doesn’t destroy the trust.”

She blinks. That’s hit home.

“It’s none of my business,” I say more gently. “I have no skin in the game where Kahukura is concerned. If you want to trust George with your money and the future of the commune, it’s nothing to do with me.”

She gives me a wry look. “That statement wasn’t loaded by much.”

“Maybe a little. Look, do you know any other accountants?”

“No.”

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