Chapter 7 - The Emergency Vote
Arthur did not wait for the investigation to finish.
At eight the next morning, he convened the council in the conference room and announced that Dominic's medical condition had become an urgent governance issue.
Two members objected.
Arthur reminded them that the proposed transfer was temporary.
He reminded them that the Vale businesses employed thousands of people.
He reminded them that uncertainty could cost millions.
Then he distributed a new report.
It contained excerpts from Dominic's medical file suggesting that his recovery had deteriorated significantly.
The report was genuine.
The conclusions were not.
It omitted the surgeon's latest findings, exaggerated the effect of the injury, and described Dominic as increasingly dependent on assistance.
Arthur stood at the head of the table.
“I don't want to take power from Dominic. I want to preserve his legacy until he is well enough to return.”
The doors opened.
Dominic entered with Vincent beside him.
His new brace was fitted correctly, and he used his cane with measured care.
Arthur's expression tightened.
“This is a private meeting.”
“About my authority?” Dominic asked. “Then I'm certain I belong here.”
He placed a folder on the table.
Inside were the original medical instructions, the independent surgeon's assessment, records of the altered file, and the documented payment to Peter Lang's business.
Arthur glanced at the folder without touching it.
“This is absurd.”
“Then you'll have no objection to an independent review.”
“I have no objection to a legitimate review.”
“Excellent. The investigator has already begun one.”
Arthur looked around the table.
“Dominic is using an unrelated maintenance dispute to undermine this council.”
Dominic remained calm.
“Peter Lang has provided a recorded statement. He says you hired him to alter my brace and told him the doctor had approved the adjustment.”
Arthur laughed once.
“A disgruntled technician is hardly reliable.”
“His payment records agree with his statement.”
“Payments can be misinterpreted.”
“The security footage places you in the rehabilitation wing. The maintenance override came from your office. The tailor confirms your coat lost a button, and that button was recovered from the laundry.”
Arthur's face hardened.
“You cannot prove that button was there when the brace was altered.”
“No,” Dominic replied. “Not by itself.”
The admission unsettled the room more than an accusation would have.
Dominic continued.
“That's why we have multiple pieces of evidence, not one convenient object.”
Arthur looked at the council members.
“Are you going to let him conduct a criminal investigation at a governance meeting?”
One member closed his folder.
“Arthur, did you hire Peter Lang?”
Arthur said nothing.
Another council member stood.
“I move that the vote be suspended pending independent legal review.”
The motion passed five to one.
Arthur's expression finally cracked.
“You are making a terrible mistake.”
Dominic leaned on his cane.
“No. I made one mistake. I trusted you to manage the affairs I couldn't personally oversee.”
He stepped closer.
“You mistook that trust for permission.”
Arthur lowered his voice.
“You think you're untouchable because you're rich and feared.”
Dominic met his gaze.
“No. I think the rules should apply to me, too.”
He turned toward the council.
“All records will be preserved. The investigator will deliver the evidence to the appropriate authorities. Any employee who cooperates will be protected from retaliation, and any employee who helped conceal the tampering will be held accountable.”
Arthur stared at him.
For the first time, he seemed unable to decide whether Dominic was bluffing.
Then Vincent approached with two uniformed officers and an attorney representing the independent board.
“Mr. Voss,” the attorney said, “we need you to accompany us for an interview concerning the alteration of medical equipment and records.”
Arthur's face drained of color.
“You can't be serious.”
“We are.”
Arthur looked toward Dominic one last time.
“You'll regret this.”
Dominic's answer was quiet.
“I regret not noticing sooner.”
Arthur left the room under escort.
No one applauded.
There was no celebration, no triumphant music, no dramatic declaration of victory.
May you like
Only a closed door and a table full of men who had finally understood how close they had come to handing power to someone who would use it against the man they claimed to protect.
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