Royal Secrets Read Online Free Page A

family meetings on Sundays.”
    “Is everything okay?” Garrett asked.
    “I’m not sure.” Eduard lifted a file from the table beside him. “I was looking over our monthly financial reports earlier this week, and I’m concerned that there may be some unexplained irregularities.”
    “What kind of irregularities?” Stefano asked.
    “The first thing that caught my attention was the expense report for the gala.” Eduard passed copies of the report to everyone. “Look at the amount listed under security for the event.”
    Garrett’s eyebrows lifted. “Two hundred thousand euros?”
    “That can’t be right.” Stefano shook his head. “The basic security staff is funded through the regular household budget at the chateau, and most of the other security personnel were on loan from the U.S. government. Any reimbursement we sent would have posted as a foreign funds transfer.”
    “Exactly.” Eduard nodded. “So where did this charge come from? I estimate our share of traditional costs would have been less than twenty thousand.”
    “Could it be a posting error?” Janessa asked. “One extra zero and you would go from twenty thousand to two hundred thousand.”
    “That’s what I first thought had happened, but then I started looking at some of our other accounts. A similar problem occurred for the Christmas party at the winter villa last year.”
    “How much was it over?”
    “I would estimate about forty thousand, although some of the other expenses looked high as well,” Eduard told them. “My concern isn’t only about the possibility that someone is skimming funds from our accounts but also that our quarterly audits have not revealed any problems.”
    “Is it possible that the auditors are involved?”
    “I don’t know. We’ve been using the same company for more than a decade. Either they’re involved or someone has faked the documentation adequately enough that the auditors missed the discrepancies,” Eduard explained. “Had I not personally approved the budget for security for both of these events, I never would have noticed the irregularities.”
    “It sounds like we may need to bring in another auditing firm,” Stefano said.
    Eduard shook his head. “If we bring in new auditors now, we may never find out who’s behind this. If it’s someone within the family, I want proof before I make any accusations.”
    Garrett’s eyes widened. “You think it might be Uncle Elam or Aunt Victoria?”
    “Or Philippe.” Eduard nodded, his expression solemn. “I hope that isn’t the case, but the fact remains that all of them at one time or another have had access to family funds. They have also been living beyond their means for some time. I was asked several times to help with the cost of Philippe’s wedding. While we did make a modest contribution, I don’t see how they were able to afford it without some help.”
    “Did the audit reports for the Meridian Church show any problems?” Stefano asked now. “If Uncle Elam is the one skimming funds from the various accounts, it’s possible he’s been dipping into church funds as well.”
    “I was wondering the same thing,” Eduard said. “The new reports are due next week. Stefano, you’ve always had a good eye for finances. I hoped you might look them over and let me know if you see anything unusual.”
    “Of course, Father.”
    “Is there anything I can do to help?” Janessa asked.
    “I would like to keep this matter private, but if there is any way you can access your agency’s reports on my family, I would appreciate it.”
    “You want me to see if the CIA has been spying on your family?”
    “Janessa, I am perfectly aware that all intelligence agencies keep dossiers on the ruling classes of various countries,” Eduard stated in a matter-of-fact tone. “What I want to know is if the CIA has uncovered anything that might explain these anomalies.”
    “I will certainly see what I can do.” Janessa started to lean back in her