Chapter 12
- I think I know now enough about textile industries to be able to open my own industry. – Bobby said, rubbing tiredly his face.
- You have my support. We'll miss you but I'm pretty sure we'll be able to resign ourselves. – Myles commented sarcastically.
- I wasn't talking to you, Harvard. – Bobby retorted.
- Myles! Bobby! If you want to continue this discussion, please go down to the crèche with the other children. – Jack's voice was harsher than he intended but the lack of sleep was taking a toll on everyone in the room, him included.
- I've found something! – Lucy announced, waving a hand to draw Sue's attention.
- What is it? – Jack asked, getting up and going behind the rotor to read above her shoulder.
- I found some discrepancies in the documentation of Mr. Moore's industry. – She answered.
- Well, we found some discrepancies in the documentation of Mr. Simmons' industry, too. But then we found out that it was just his deputy, Mr. Woolsey, stealing from him. – Myles pointed out.
- Yes. But this time it's different. It's the same thing every two weeks. These documents – Lucy explained, showing a pile of sheets – are the reports regarding the elimination of the toxic wastes in the special incinerator. And those – She continued, pointing at another pile of sheets – are the reports regarding the amount of toxic wastes resulting from the production processes. The wastes produced every two weeks come to three tons. The wastes eliminated amount to just two tons. –
- So, one ton of wastes vanishes in thin air every two weeks… - Myles commented.
- Exactly. – Lucy confirmed. – Till now six tons are absent. – Bobby whistled and she nodded gravely. – And I've found something else. Approximately five months ago, Mr. Moore authorized the construction of a second incinerator after having increased the production of the industry. But this second incinerator has never been built, even though Mr. Moore gave to his deputy the necessary money. –
- So we still have a deputy who is stealing from his boss. – Myles commented casually.
- And Mr. Moore doesn't know anything? – Tara asked incredulous, ignoring Myles' comment. – How is it possible? –
- That's a good question. Let's go ask him. – Jack said.
**
- I… I didn't know… - Mr. Moore murmured, clearly shocked and dangerously pale.
- How is it possible that you don't know about the missing incinerator, sir? – Bobby asked.
- I … - Mr. Moore cleared his throat. – I am the owner of that industry but I have delegated all my responsibilities to my deputy, Eric Pierce. I prefer spending time with my grandchildren. – The man said, glancing affectionately at two children playing quietly in a corner of the room of the big house.
- You must think highly of this man to entrust him with such a responsibility, sir. – Jack commented.
- He's my son-in-law. –
**
- There must be some mistake. – Mr. Pierce commented after having glanced at the documents Jack and Bobby had showed him.
- The same mistake every two weeks? – Jack asked, sceptical.
- I don't know. Maybe. – The man replied, glancing nervously between the two agents. – This is a big industry and I can't be aware of everything happening in here. –
- And what about the missing incinerator? – Bobby pressed.
- I don't know what you are talking about. – Pierce said, shifting in his chair.
- We're talking about the second incinerator that your father-in-law financed and that has never been built. – Jack explained, watching with great interest the man in front of him growing pale.
- I told my father-in-law that it wasn't necessary, that one incinerator would be enough. But he's a stubborn man and gave me the money anyway. I didn't build it. –
- But you took the money. – Bobby commented. The man nodded but didn't elaborate. – And where is the money, then? –
- I, you know, I used it. This is an old industry that it's always in need of little repairs. – The man answered, twisting his hands in his lap and glancing beyond the two agents towards the door.
- Mr. Pierce, your appointment with your dentist is in half an hour. – Miss Amery, his secretary announced from the door.
- Thank you, Joanna. – Pierce said with a relieved expression on his face.
**
The desk clerk, a tall blond man with piercing blue eyes, saw them to the main entrance. When the two men reached their car, they noticed an envelope on the windshield. Bobby took it and opened it.
- Darkness hides the bad deeds. – The Australian read. – What does it mean? –
- Maybe that the dumping of the toxic wastes in the ocean happens during the night. Probably something will happen tonight. – Jack supposed. – We need SOG to watch the industry tonight. And we need some rest. –