Identity Crisis (Sam McRae Mystery 1)

“It could be important. Also, the timing. Can you remember what he said and when he said it?”

“I’d have to think. I wouldn’t want to pass along bad information.” She frowned, staring in front of her as she apparently pondered my question. “OK, h

ere’s an example. One time, Tom was here, trying to get one of the programs to work right. He wanted to know something about the financials because they looked screwy, and I told him I’d been having trouble figuring them out, too. And he’s like, how do you get your bills paid with a system like this? And I’m like, don’t ask me, ’cause I don’t have all that much to say about it. Then he makes this sarcastic remark about how he’d better get paid what he’s owed. I figure, OK, if Tom hasn’t been getting paid regular, maybe he’s been cutting Bruce some slack, but now it looks like he’s getting pissed off. And, while we’re at it, who else isn’t getting paid? I’m not here all that much, so sometimes I feel like I’m not really in the loop, you know?”

“Who cuts the checks?”

“Bruce. He won’t let me do it.”

“Have you had a problem getting paid?”

“No. Probably knows better than to screw around with me.”

“Could it just be a personal problem between Bruce and Tom? Maybe Tom loaned him money.”

“Well, that occurred to me, but I also know what a mess the books are. So it’s hard to say.”

Rhonda leaned back again, prompting more caterwauls from the chair. “You know, maybe that’s why Tom acted so strange. See, I asked him was there something I could do to help. Well, he got all weird, kind of—I don’t know—closed off, all of a sudden. He didn’t want to talk about it after that. I didn’t pry. I let it drop.”

“How long has Bruce worked here?”

“Years, I think. Can’t tell you exactly.”

“How has he managed, if he’s so terrible?”

“That’s the funny part. I’ve been here less than a year, but when I started, everything was fine. It’s only been in the last few months that things have gone to hell.”

“Would you happen to notice if things fell apart around the time Tom was hired?”

Rhonda looked at me. “You think there’s some kind of connection?”

“I don’t know what to think. I’m just fishing.”

She perched her chin in her hand in a thinker’s pose. “You know, now that you mention it, that sounds about right.”

“What is it exactly that Bruce is doing wrong?”

“Things just don’t add up. I compare statements to stuff on the computer, and nothing matches.”

I wouldn’t have minded looking at those records myself, although I wasn’t sure what they would prove.

“Has the owner said anything?”

“He’s hardly ever here. I try to do what I can, but it’s not easy, especially since Bruce don’t like anyone looking over his shoulder.”

“He objects to your reviewing his work?”

“He gets pretty huffy when I ask him about the books, but what am I supposed to do?”

“How often do you work here?”

“Just a couple of nights. Sometimes three.” She paused, then gave me a sly look. “I know what you’re probably thinking. Why the hell does this part-timer care so much about the bookkeeping in this dump?”

“The thought crossed my mind. I’m assuming the pay is not spectacular.”

“You’re too right about that. Still, this place has been a good gig for me. It fits my schedule and the extra money don’t hurt.” She shook her head. “I’d hate to see it go down the tubes, the way Bruce is going.”

“What do you mean?”