Speak Up Chapter 06
“The first is from Emma Reed, a member of the student council events committee.”
“She confirms that Bianca never participated in any budget approval or signing process.”
“The events committee is responsible only for planning and has no financial authority.”
“The second is from Nathan Cole, the student council treasurer.”
“He confirms that the reimbursement form from September twenty-third was in Chris Thorne’s possession from start to finish. Bianca did not sign it and did not handle it.”
“The third is from Mr. Reeves, the chemistry lab administrator.”
“He confirms that from two to five p.m. on September twenty-third, Bianca was in the lab preparing for the Olympiad. The lab has the original sign-in sheet.”
Three pieces of paper lay on the desk.
Veronica’s face turned ashen.
My mother turned to her.
“Veronica, the signature on the reimbursement form you produced is a forgery.”
She pulled another page from the folder.
“This is a preliminary analysis from a forensic document examiner I retained.”
“It shows clear discrepancies between Bianca’s handwriting samples and the signature on that form.”
“If you insist the signature is real, we can immediately request a formal handwriting analysis.”
“But before that, I suggest you think very carefully about the legal consequences of forging a signature and using it to frame someone.”
Veronica’s lips began to tremble.
Just then, another set of hurried footsteps sounded in the hallway.