Lavinia and Flense

Barkskins

This flow traces Lavinia’s trust in Clayton Jasper Flense, his exploitation of that trust, and the financial and emotional consequences of betrayal.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Trusted Adviser A Trusted Adviser from "Barkskins". A Trusted Adviser Business Reliance Lavinia depends on Flense for legal advice, property strategy, and the corporate arrangements that support expansion.

A Trusted Adviser from "Barkskins". A Trusted Adviser Business Reliance Lavinia depends on Flense for legal advice, property strategy, and the corporate arrangements that support expansion.

A Trusted Adviser Business Reliance Lavinia depends on Flense for legal advice, property strategy, and the corporate arrangements that support expansion. Familiarity as Trust Their repeated work together creates an informal confidence that she mistakes for personal loyalty.

Power Without Oversight Power Without Oversight from "Barkskins". Power Without Oversight Broad Authority Flense can buy and sell property on the company’s behalf with little formal restriction.

Power Without Oversight from "Barkskins". Power Without Oversight Broad Authority Flense can buy and sell property on the company’s behalf with little formal restriction.

Power Without Oversight Broad Authority Flense can buy and sell property on the company’s behalf with little formal restriction. A Dangerous Arrangement Lavinia relies on gentlemanly conduct where written limits and independent review would have protected the business.

Annag’s Confidence Annag’s Confidence from "Barkskins". Annag’s Confidence A Valued Assistant Annag manages the office and accounts, becoming indispensable to Lavinia’s daily business operations.

Annag’s Confidence from "Barkskins". Annag’s Confidence A Valued Assistant Annag manages the office and accounts, becoming indispensable to Lavinia’s daily business operations.

Annag’s Confidence A Valued Assistant Annag manages the office and accounts, becoming indispensable to Lavinia’s daily business operations. A Private Attachment Flense’s attention and praise create an emotional bond that neither Lavinia nor Dieter recognizes as a threat.

The Company Is Rifled The Company Is Rifled from "Barkskins". The Company Is Rifled A Flight With Assets Flense and Annag disappear with company funds, barges, and other assets, leaving the firm near collapse.

The Company Is Rifled from "Barkskins". The Company Is Rifled A Flight With Assets Flense and Annag disappear with company funds, barges, and other assets, leaving the firm near collapse.

The Company Is Rifled A Flight With Assets Flense and Annag disappear with company funds, barges, and other assets, leaving the firm near collapse. Betrayal Revealed Lavinia learns that confidence and longstanding service offered no protection from deliberate fraud.

After the Betrayal After the Betrayal from "Barkskins". After the Betrayal Pursuit Without Closure Lavinia hires investigators, learns Flense has died, and receives no reliable news of Annag.

After the Betrayal from "Barkskins". After the Betrayal Pursuit Without Closure Lavinia hires investigators, learns Flense has died, and receives no reliable news of Annag.

After the Betrayal Pursuit Without Closure Lavinia hires investigators, learns Flense has died, and receives no reliable news of Annag. Trust Replaced by Control The experience deepens her reliance on contracts, surveillance, and financial safeguards.

During Lavinia’s early years in Chicago

During the company’s expansion

During the years before the embezzlement

During the company’s financial downturn

Years after the theft