Scott Winslow Legal Mysteries - Books 1-2

Book summary

Delve into the gripping world of legal mysteries with the first two books of the 'Scott Winslow Legal Mysteries' series by David P. Warren, now available in one volume. In "The Whistleblower Onslaught," attorney Scott Winslow takes on a whistleblower case that unravels a web of corruption, blackmail, and cover-ups. As he faces threats to dismiss the case, Scott must gather evidence, prove the truth in court, and bring the responsible party to justice. In "Personal Violation," Scott tackles a case involving a female executive who was assaulted and wrongfully terminated, navigating the challenges of gathering evidence while working with unconventional private investigator Lee Henry. Join Scott Winslow as he fights for justice in these thrilling legal adventures.

Excerpt from Scott Winslow Legal Mysteries - Books 1-2

At 7:30 a.m., Controller, Sarah Willis, stared at subsidiary financial reports on one of three monitors on her desk. She needed the opportunity to stretch, as well as a few moments away from the financial analysis she was preparing. After a protracted period of staring at her monitor, the numbers were beginning to run together, and turning to mush in her brain. Sarah's blond hair and blue eyes framed a radiant smile. Though not Hollywood model gorgeous, Sarah was attractive and compelling. As she made her way down the hall to the communal coffeemaker, Sarah observed that the offices around her were slowly transitioning from ghostly quiet, to active, as early birds began to arrive. She poured a cup of coffee, and then walked back to her office. One of her two Assistant Controllers, Melissa Carter, was removing her coat and getting settled in the office next door to Sarah's.

“Good morning, Melissa,” Sarah said, smiling. Sarah's blue eyes sparkled with intelligence, and something else; self-confidence and enthusiasm. She wore her blonde hair at shoulder length, and was attractive, in an elegant way reminiscent of Kate Beckinsale.

“Morning boss,” Melissa replied. She looked at Sarah's coffee cup. “How many so far?” Melissa asked.

“This is only number two, today,” Sarah said, lifting the cup.

After quick calculation, Melissa said, “So, you've been here since about 6:00 this morning?”

Sarah stopped at Melissa's office door and shook her head. “It's amazing how you do that. I must be pretty damned predictable.”

“Only where your coffee consumption is concerned,” Melissa said. “And you were here pretty late last night. I mean, I left at 8:00 o'clock, and you were showing no signs of slowing down.”

“Yeah, I got out of here about 10:30. Plenty of time to nap before being back here for a Tuesday morning.” She took a deep breath. “We've only got one week to get all the subsidiary reporting complete, so I'm feeling the stress. Especially with the foot-dragging I'm getting from a couple of them. How are you doing?”

“I should have Wilson Pharma prepped for you to review by tomorrow,” Melissa said. “Jansing Communications by Thursday.”

“Great work. Between us, we will make these financials make sense, and get it done on time.”

Coffee in hand, Sarah walked back into her office, where the singular picture of her and John on her desk caught her attention. It had been taken eight years ago, shortly after their honeymoon. The picture made her smile, as she reflected on how happy they had been in a world when spending time with each other was the priority. She had been promoted to Controller for Ellison Corporation three years ago, at about the same time his architectural practice began landing almost every contract they chased. Ever since, they both worked sixty hours a week, and saw each other on the run, or while working on emergencies at home. With the loss of time together they had lost some of the intimacy, as well. After eight years of marriage, she and John no longer talked about having kids. It's not that either had decided against children, they just didn't have the time or the lifestyle that would make it work. Hell, they barely had the time and energy for occasional sex. Over the last few years, the most intimate part of their lives had been slowly drifting away. They were both always tired, and it had become so easy not to talk about anything intimate or challenging. It was literally, a cost of doing business. At thirty-nine years old, Sarah had made it to the upper ranks of a corporate giant. An accounting degree, an MBA, and seven years of experience and she was still a young woman. She considered the irony; it took years to achieve a level of success that would assure that there was never time for a personal life.

Neither Sarah nor Melissa stopped for lunch. The day was a race characterized by salads at their desks and little time for extraneous thought, and barely time for bathroom breaks. Melissa appeared at Sarah's door at 7:00 p.m. “Goodnight boss.”

Sarah looked up from her monitor and shook her head. “We didn't even have an opportunity to cover the status of the subsidiary analysis. In the morning, okay?”

“I'll be here,” Melissa said. “And judging by the looks of things, you may be here still.”

Sarah smiled. “I really am going home soon. I'm seeing double, and my head is so full of numbers that they may start leaking from my ears.” She paused and then added, “Thanks for your hard work, Melissa.”

Melissa smiled, and said, “Thanks, chief. Goodnight,” and then she disappeared from the doorway.

At 7:45 p.m. the world outside her office window the sun was long gone and only the city's ambient light illuminated the streets. Sarah analyzed the data and projections of three subsidiaries on three separate monitors. She had to assure that each of the subsidiaries spoke the same analytical language, compared apples and apples and used generally accepted accounting procedures in their analyses. Her eyes were getting tired and she had intermittent thoughts about something that might pass as dinner.

James Nolan, Ellison Company's CEO, stood at the door and gave a knock. “Mind if I interrupt?” he asked.

“Please, Jim, come in.”

He sat down and looked at her paper-covered desk and multiple monitors. “Impressive,” he said. “The way you're getting all this together. I know some of the subsidiaries have to be coerced into getting things done.”

She nodded. “You could say that.”

Nolan was about fifty years old; an outgoing, handsome man, with black hair decorated with highlights of grey. He exuded confidence, and focused keenly on anyone he addressed. He laughed and said, “I know you're busy, so I'll cut to the chase. I am coming to the end of my first year here and the Board likes what the team is doing. You guys are making me look good.” He paused and said, “I like to reward those loyal to me and I'm thinking that you are right for the Senior Vice President of Finance position. You've got a great handle on operations, as well as the financial side, so in three or four months from now I'm going to suggest your name to the Board. I don't think I'll get much resistance.”

Sarah smiled. “That's great news, Jim. Thank you. And thanks for the acknowledgment of my work.”

He paused a moment and then said, “I want you to go to Seattle to attend the Urban Attache acquisition meeting tomorrow night.” She was puzzled. That meeting was not her typical turf. Worse, she had so much to accomplish with all of the corporate financial reports that she had no time for someone else's side show. Nolan added, “You're going for the Thursday presentation anyway, right? I understand that you are making a presentation Thursday morning, and I can use your help Wednesday night.”

“Okay,” Sarah said. “If you need me at the meeting tomorrow night, I'll be there.”

“Thanks, Sarah. I knew I could count on you,” Nolan said. He was quiet for a moment, and then he said, “You know, Sarah, you are an attractive woman and I'd like to know you better.” He grinned widely and added, “We could be really good together.”

She furrowed her brow. Groping for words, she said, “We are both married to someone else.”

He smiled and said, “Sure, but we could really spice things up.” She said nothing. “Let me be straight with you. I want to make love to you.” He was still grinning as he added, “And I know that you would love it, too.”

“I am not okay with that, Jim,” she said as sternly as she could. “I'm not in the market for a relationship, and I don't want to be hit on.”