Tasha Alexander adjusted the sleek black blazer she reserved for courtroom appearances as she walked into her Gulfport office. She rarely took on legal cases anymore, preferring her work as a private investigator. But this one was different.
Her client, Calvin Reed, a local construction foreman, had been accused of embezzling funds from his employer. Facing jail time and a ruined reputation, Calvin had insisted he was being framed. His desperation convinced Tasha to take the case, not just as his lawyer, but as the investigator who would uncover the truth.
“You’re sure you didn’t take the money?” Tasha asked Calvin during their first meeting.
“Absolutely,” Calvin replied, his voice steady. “I’ve worked for the company for over a decade. Why would I risk everything now?”
“Sometimes it’s not about the money,” Tasha said, scribbling notes. “Sometimes it’s about opportunity—or revenge.”
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A Trail of Suspicion
The accusation stemmed from missing funds totaling nearly $200,000, discovered during an internal audit at Gulf Shore Developments, a prominent local firm. Calvin’s access to company accounts made him the prime suspect, but Tasha knew appearances could be deceiving.
She started by combing through the company’s financial records. Her legal training and investigative instincts worked seamlessly as she spotted discrepancies that didn’t add up to Calvin’s supposed embezzlement.
Her first major lead came from a series of transactions funneled through an offshore account. The account holder’s name was redacted, but the dates coincided with large payouts for recent construction projects.
“I need to talk to the auditor,” Tasha told Calvin.
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Interviews and Red Flags
Tasha met with Karen Moore, the company’s auditor, in her downtown office. Karen, a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, seemed cooperative at first.
“The numbers don’t lie,” Karen said. “Calvin had the authority and the access.”
“True,” Tasha replied. “But the timing doesn’t make sense. Why would he start skimming funds right before a major project audit?”
Karen’s lips pressed into a thin line. “People make mistakes, Ms. Alexander. Greed gets the better of them.”
Tasha’s instincts prickled. Karen was deflecting, and her defensiveness raised questions.
Later, Tasha interviewed Calvin’s coworkers, including his direct supervisor, Tom Whitaker. Tom was evasive, his answers vague and filled with contradictions. He mentioned an ex-employee, Brian Calloway, who’d been fired months earlier for “questionable behavior.”
“Brian’s been gone for a while,” Tom said, waving dismissively. “But if you ask me, Calvin and Brian were too close for comfort.”
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The Calloway Connection
Tasha tracked down Brian Calloway in a small rental property on the outskirts of Gulfport. He seemed nervous when she introduced herself, his eyes darting toward the door.
“I don’t know anything about the money,” Brian said before she even asked.
“Funny,” Tasha said, crossing her arms. “I didn’t mention the money.”
Brian froze, then sighed. “Look, I didn’t take anything, okay? But Tom… he’s not as squeaky clean as he pretends to be.”
Brian explained that Tom often pressured employees to cover for him, especially when it came to shady deals with contractors.
“He’d cut corners and pocket the difference,” Brian said. “If anyone questioned him, they were out the door—like me.”
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Connecting the Dots
Back at her office, Tasha pieced together the evidence. The offshore account transactions matched payments from contractors associated with Tom’s projects. It wasn’t enough to exonerate Calvin yet, but it pointed strongly to Tom’s involvement.
Tasha decided to dig deeper into Tom’s connections. She uncovered a history of gambling debts and expensive habits that his salary couldn’t explain.
“Time to confront him,” Tasha muttered.
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The Confrontation
Tasha met Tom at a local diner, where he appeared confident and unbothered. But as she laid out the evidence, his composure began to crack.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Tom said, his voice rising.
“Oh, you know exactly what I’m talking about,” Tasha replied calmly. “The offshore account, the kickbacks, the forged documents pinning it all on Calvin. Shall I call the police, or do you want to talk?”
Tom’s shoulders slumped. “What do you want from me?”
“Confess,” Tasha said. “Clear Calvin’s name.”
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Justice Served
With Tom’s confession and the evidence Tasha collected, Calvin was exonerated. Gulf Shore Developments quickly settled the matter to avoid public scandal, and Tom was terminated and charged with fraud.
When the case was closed, Calvin thanked Tasha profusely. “I don’t know how to repay you,” he said.
“Just don’t end up in trouble again,” Tasha replied with a smile.
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Reflection
As Tasha locked up her office that evening, she felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Being both a lawyer and a PI had its challenges, but cases like this reminded her why she loved the work. It wasn’t just about solving mysteries; it was about giving people their lives back.
She poured herself a glass of wine, sat on her balcony overlooking the Gulf, and allowed herself a rare moment of peace. Tomorrow, there would be another case, another challenge. But tonight, Tasha Alexander was content.
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