Chapter 313: Privy Gallery

Tuesday, January 31st, Morning

After Lucas finished breakfast, he left the family dining room and headed towards the East Range. Fallon got up from the table and followed him over to the East Range. They ducked down a seldom traveled gallery that overlooked the Privy Gardens known as the Privy Gallery.

Lucas finally stopped about halfway down; he turned and looked at Fallon. "So, what's up?" he asked, keep his voice level so it won't echo.

"I was going through the foundation's books a while ago," Fallon said.

"Okay, that sounds like a solid thing to do," Lucas said.

"Yeah, that's why I do it," Fallon said.

"So, I take it you didn't want to talk to me about your audit habits," Lucas said.

"No, not at all," Fallon said.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Lucas asked.

"I found large amounts donated to the foundation," Fallon said.

"Okay, it's a charity foundation; that would seem normal," Lucas said.

"The foundation set up is where donations of a certain size I have to approve," Fallon said.

"I take it by this conversation that you didn't approve these transactions," Lucas said.

"No, I didn't approve of them, nor had I seen them," Fallon said.

"Well, that could be an oversight or a mistake on the foundation part," Lucas said, playing devil's advocate.

"What's stranger is the dollar amount that came in would go a month later. The same amount that came in. Again, based on the amount, I would have to approve it," Fallon said.

Lucas nodded, "Alright," he said.

"So, that's the dilemma I'm in," Fallon said.

"Is that why you're carrying again?" Lucas asked.

Fallon nodded, "I don't want to end up dead because it all would pass to Keni, and her being a minor, it would continue," she said.

"I'm no expert on this, Fallon," Lucas said, "I'm just a school teacher."

"What do you think is going on?" Fallon asked.

"Well, I think you're scared about something hence the pistol," Lucas said.

"You think I'm paranoid," Fallon said.

"You're starting to get loud," Lucas said, "No, I think you suspect something, and it's got you spooked."

"But do you have a thought on what's happening here?" Fallon asked.

Lucas sighed, "I don't have a clue; it could be any number of things," he said.

Fallon shook her head. "Lucas, you're right; it could be any number of things, just, I don't know, something has gotten me spooked on this one. Lucas, I'm so shaken, as you pointed out, I'm carrying again," she said.

Lucas nodded, "You're getting loud again," he said.

"I'm sorry," Fallon said.

"Don't be," Lucas said, "I can see that you're scared."

"What do I do?" Fallon asked.

Lucas sighed, "I, personally have no clue what's going on with this. The only advice I can give you is to get a lawyer, talk to them, or go to the police," he said.

Fallon shook her head, "No, no police," she said.

Lucas nodded, "Lawyer then," he said.

Fallon nodded, "Do you know any lawyers that could be discrete?" she asked.

Lucas shook his head, "Not a criminal attorney, but a corporate attorney," he said.

"Bevin?" Fallon asked.

"Yeah, but maybe I could find someone through the Scott Building," Lucas said.

"You don't want to get Bevin involved?" Fallon asked.

"No, not that; I just don't think she's the best person to help with this," Lucas said.

"Why's that?" Fallon asked.

"She's more of a personal lawyer and doesn't specialize in these sort of things; the corporates at the Scott Building would have a better idea who would work best for your issue," Lucas said.

"Okay," Fallon said.

"Why ask me? You have this whole corporate machine that would have the knowledge and resources," Lucas said.

"I don't want to drag the corporation into this; the Foundation and corporation have always kept separately," Fallon said.

"Okay, sure," Lucas said.

"There is also something else," Fallon said.

"Okay, what else is it, Fallon?" Lucas asked.

"We need to keep this discrete," Fallon said.

"Well, one, you're getting loud. Also, based on what you imply is going on, that goes without saying," Lucas said.

"Yeah, it's not; I don't know; Keni doesn't need to know about this, even after we fix this," Fallon said.

"Again, I'm just a high school English teacher, not a detective or an accountant," Lucas said.

"Yeah, I understand, Lucas; I just need the hook up with a lawyer," Fallon said.

"I'll contact the corporate lawyer and give them your contact information," Lucas said.

"Thank you," Fallon said.

"You're welcome," Lucas said.

"Also…" Fallon said.

Lucas looked at his watch. "What now, Fallon?" Lucas asked.

"I don't want Izzy involved at all," Fallon said.

Lucas nodded, "Okay," he said.

"She's got enough to deal with, and her career doesn't need this stain," Fallon said.

"I understand, but if it gets out, hell, when it gets out, the splash will be far and wide," Lucas said.

"I know; that's why we don't want this to get too big," Fallon said.

Lucas nodded, "Well, I'll get done what I said; I would. Also, I will keep this quiet," he said.

"Thanks," Fallon said.

"You're welcome," Lucas said, "Please, if you come to the game tonight, please leave the pistol out of the school."

Fallon nodded, "I will," she said.

Lucas nodded and rechecked his watch. "Fallon, I have to go," he said.

"Okay, see you tonight," Fallon said.

They turned away and went in different directions. Lucas headed to the East Range Foyer and collected his coat and briefcase. After dressing for the cold air outside.

He went outside the East Range of Beaulieu Manor to the parking area. He crossed the gravel parking area to his veteran SUV. Lucas unlocked his SUV and placed his briefcase in the backseat. Lucas climbed in behind the wheel and closed the car door behind him.

Sitting behind the wheel, Lucas rested his hands on the steering wheel. He closed his eyes and supported himself by the wheel. Lucas took several deep breaths; Lucas felt his heartbeat slow. Finally, he felt settled enough he started the SUV's engine.

As the car started and the engine began to hum, Lucas looked over the East Range walls. He nodded and put the SUV into gear. He slowly moved through the parking area and headed out to the main driveway.

Once out on the main road, Lucas opened up the SUV's engine as the roadside features passed by Lucas, as he looked forward to the day ahead of him. Not that everything today would or could be good, but at least he would be busy.