Some had received unexplained payments.
Others had relatives employed by subcontractors.
And a
small number appeared to have used their authority to intimidate people who asked questions.
Victoria’s investigation had been confidential.
Only a handful of federal officials knew the full scope of it.
She had been traveling that afternoon to meet an accountant who had agreed to provide original records.
She never made it to the meeting.
Because Officers Grant and Miller were waiting on the roadside.
Grant stared at Victoria’s identification card.
“You’re with the Department of Justice?”
Victoria nodded.
“Office of Inspector General.”
Miller took a step backward.
The confidence in his face had disappeared.
Grant looked at the wallet again.
Then at Victoria.
“Why didn’t you tell us that?”
Victoria gave him a tired smile.
“I tried to tell you I had done nothing wrong.”
