Chapter 7: The Secret## Chapter 7: The Secret Behind My Mother's Death
For Behind My Mother's Death
For eleven years, I had believed my mother died because her eleven years, I had believed my mother died because her heart simply stopped.
Now a heart simply stopped.
Now a woman who had helped steal millions from my family was telling me that my mother's death might have been arranged.
I looked at Caroline.
“Say woman who had helped steal millions from my family was telling me that my mother's death might have been arranged.
I looked at Caroline.
“Say that again.””
She swallowed.
“Your mother didn't die the way your father told you.””
Margaret immediately interrupted that again.””
She swallowed.
“Your mother didn't die the way your father told you.””
Margaret immediately interrupted.
“Caroline, I want you to be very careful. If you're making an allegation, you need evidence.””
“I have evidence.””
.
“Caroline, I want you to be very careful. If you're making an allegation, you need evidence.””
“I have evidence.””
“Then produce it.””
Caroline opened her briefcase again and removed a small envelope. It was yellowed around the edges,“Then produce it.””
Caroline opened her briefcase again and removed a small envelope. It was yellowed around the edges, with my mother's full name written across the front.
*Elizabeth Alden.*
I hadn't seen that handwriting in nearly with my mother's full name written across the front.
*Elizabeth Alden.*
I hadn't seen that handwriting in nearly three decades.
My fingers hovered above the envelope.
“Where did you get this?””
“Your father gave it to me shortly before he died. He said it three decades.
My fingers hovered above the envelope.
“Where did you get this?””
“Your father gave it to me shortly before he died. He said it contained information that should only be disclosed if someone attempted to take control of the family trust.””
I looked at the envelope.
“Why contained information that should only be disclosed if someone attempted to take control of the family trust.””
I looked at the envelope.
“Why would my mother's death have anything to do with the company?””
Caroline lowered her voice.
“Because your mother discovered the would my mother's death have anything to do with the company?””
Caroline lowered her voice.
“Because your mother discovered the original financial scheme long before your father did.””
Margaret opened her notebook.
“What scheme?””
original financial scheme long before your father did.””
Margaret opened her notebook.
“What scheme?””
“The diversion of company funds. The offshore accounts. The false consulting invoices. It started before“The diversion of company funds.
The offshore accounts. The false consulting invoices. It started before Richard became the sole operational director.””
I shook my head.
“My mother Richard became the sole operational director.””
I shook my head.
“My mother wasn't involved in the company's finances. She was an architect.””
“She was also a shareholder,” Caroline replied.
“ wasn't involved in the company's finances. She was an architect.””
“She was also a shareholder,” Caroline replied.
“And she was responsible for the original corporate structure.””
I looked at the documents on the table.
My mother hadAnd she was responsible for the original corporate structure.””
I looked at the documents on the table.
My mother had designed the first hangar.
She had negotiated the company's earliest property leases.
She had personally approved the purchase designed the first hangar.
She had negotiated the company's earliest property leases.
She had personally approved the purchase of the first aircraft.
I remembered my father telling me that she preferred drawing buildings to discussing business.
Perhaps he had been of the first aircraft.
I remembered my father telling me that she preferred drawing buildings to discussing business.
Perhaps he had been protecting me from the truth.
Or perhaps he had been protecting someone else.
Caroline continued.
“Elizabeth discovered that protecting me from the truth.
Or perhaps he had been protecting someone else.
Caroline continued.
“Elizabeth discovered that money was being transferred through a consulting company controlled by Eleanor Pierce's family. She confronted Richard. They argued. And shortly afterward money was being transferred through a consulting company controlled by Eleanor Pierce's family.
She confronted Richard. They argued. And shortly afterward, she died.””
“Are you saying Eleanor killed my mother?””
“No. I'm saying Eleanor had a financial motive, and the, she died.””
“Are you saying Eleanor killed my mother?””
“No. I'm saying Eleanor had a financial motive, and the medical investigation was compromised.””
The room fell silent.
I opened the envelope.
Inside was a handwritten letter and a photocopy of a medical report.
The letter began:
*Richard, if anything happens to me, do not allow them to tell medical investigation was compromised.””
The room fell silent.
I opened the envelope.
Inside was a handwritten letter and a photocopy of a medical report.
The letter began:
Richard, if anything happens to me, do not allow them to tell Vivian that it was simply an accident.
My vision blurred.
I continued reading.
I have found discrepancies Vivian that it was simply an accident.
My vision blurred.
I continued reading.
I have found discrepancies in the medication records. I have also discovered that the person who has been handling our insurance paperwork is connected to the same people moving in the medication records. I have also discovered that the person who has been handling our insurance paperwork is connected to the same people moving money from the company.
I stopped.
“Who was handling the insurance paperwork?””
Caroline looked at me.
“Eleanor Pierce.””
My hands began money from the company.*
I stopped.
“Who was handling the insurance paperwork?””
Caroline looked at me.
“Eleanor Pierce.””
My hands began to shake.
Margaret took the medical report and examined it.
“This is not a complete record.””
“No,” to shake.
Margaret took the medical report and examined it.
“This is not a complete record.””
“No,” Caroline said.
“It's a copy of the original preliminary review.””
“What happened to the original?””
“Richard obtained it after Elizabeth Caroline said.
“It's a copy of the original preliminary review.””
“What happened to the original?””
“Richard obtained it after Elizabeth's death. He believed it had been altered.””
I looked up.
“'s death. He believed it had been altered.””
I looked up.
“Why didn't he tell me?””
“Because you were twelve.””
I stared at the letter again.
My mother had died in a private hospital outside Boston. IWhy didn't he tell me?””
“Because you were twelve.””
I stared at the letter again.
My mother had died in a private hospital outside Boston. I remembered the white curtains, the smell of antiseptic, and my father holding my hand while a doctor explained that there had been complications.
I remembered asking remembered the white curtains, the smell of antiseptic, and my father holding my hand while a doctor explained that there had been complications.
I remembered asking whether she would wake up.
I remembered my father saying no.
And whether she would wake up.
I remembered my father saying no.
And I remembered Eleanor arriving at the funeral with a black umbrella and holding my father's arm.
She had cried harder than anyone.
I felt sick.
“Did my father I remembered Eleanor arriving at the funeral with a black umbrella and holding my father's arm.
She had cried harder than anyone.
I felt sick.
“Did my father investigate?””
Caroline nodded.
“For years. But he couldn't prove who had altered the records. The original hospital administrator had disappeared, and several witnesses changed their statements.””
“Who was the investigate?””
Caroline nodded.
“For years. But he couldn't prove who had altered the records. The original hospital administrator had disappeared, and several witnesses changed their statements.””
“Who was the doctor?””
Caroline hesitated.
“Dr. Peter Harlan.””
Margaret looked up.
“Wasn't he connected to the hospital where Richard was treated?””
“Yes.””
I closed my eyes doctor?””
Caroline hesitated.
“Dr. Peter Harlan.””
Margaret looked up.
“Wasn't he connected to the hospital where Richard was treated?””
“Yes.””
I closed my eyes.
The same network.
The same names.
The same people.
I looked at Caroline.
“Why did my father keep the investigation secret?””
“Because he believed someone.
The same network.
The same names.
The same people.
I looked at Caroline.
“Why did my father keep the investigation secret?””
“Because he believed someone had access to your personal records and knew where you lived. He was afraid you might had access to your personal records and knew where you lived. He was afraid you might become a target.””
I looked at the letter.
At the bottom, my mother had written something else.
*Vivian must become a target.””
I looked at the letter.
At the bottom, my mother had written something else.
Vivian must never be made to believe that money is worth more than the truth.
I pressed the paper against my chest.
For a never be made to believe that money is worth more than the truth.*
I pressed the paper against my chest.
For a moment, I was twelve again.
I wanted my mother.
I wanted to ask her why she had left me.
I wanted to ask my father why moment, I was twelve again.
I wanted my mother.
I wanted to ask her why she had left me.
I wanted to ask my father why he had allowed me to grow up believing a lie.
But there was no one left to answer.
Then Caroline spoke again.
“There's another reason he had allowed me to grow up believing a lie.
But there was no one left to answer.
Then Caroline spoke again.
“There's another reason I contacted you.””
I lowered the letter.
“What?””
“Eleanor knows about the bank box.””
“How?””
“She has I contacted you.””
I lowered the letter.
“What?””
“Eleanor knows about the bank box.””
“How?””
“She has been trying to obtain the contents for months. She recently discovered that the account was never closed.””
Margaret immediately reached for her phone.
been trying to obtain the contents for months. She recently discovered that the account was never closed.””
Margaret immediately reached for her phone.
“We need to secure the box.””
Caroline nodded.
“There's a problem.””
“What problem?””
“The bank received a request to transfer the contents to another institution“We need to secure the box.””
Caroline nodded.
“There's a problem.””
“What problem?””
“The bank received a request to transfer the contents to another institution yesterday.””
I stared.
“Who submitted it?””
Caroline pointed to the document in Margaret's hand.
The yesterday.””
I stared.
“Who submitted it?””
Caroline pointed to the document in Margaret's hand.
The authorization carried my name.
My signature.
And a notarial seal.
But I had authorization carried my name.
My signature.
And a notarial seal.
But I had never signed it.
Again.
Margaret stood.
“That's enough. We're contacting the bank's legal department now.””
Daniel moved never signed it.
Again.
Margaret stood.
“That's enough. We're contacting the bank's legal department now.””
Daniel moved toward the door.
“I'll notify the security team.””
I looked at Caroline.
“Do you have the original document?””
“Yes.””
“Give toward the door.
“I'll notify the security team.””
I looked at Caroline.
“Do you have the original document?””
“Yes.””
“Give it to Margaret.””
She handed it over.
Then she caught my arm.
“Vivian, listen to me. Whatever it to Margaret.””
She handed it over.
Then she caught my arm.
“Vivian, listen to me. Whatever you find in that box, don't assume your father was innocent.””
I pulled away.
“I'm not interested in protecting anyone anymore you find in that box, don't assume your father was innocent.””
I pulled away.
“I'm not interested in protecting anyone anymore.””
Caroline's eyes filled.
“That's what I said eleven years ago.””
She closed her briefcase.
“And look.””
Caroline's eyes filled.
“That's what I said eleven years ago.””
She closed her briefcase.
“And look what happened to me.””
The next morning, Margaret and I arrived at First National of Boston with two security what happened to me.””
The next morning, Margaret and I arrived at First National of Boston with two security officers and an independent trustee representative.
The bank manager, a nervous man named Thomas Reed, met us in a private conference room.
“ officers and an independent trustee representative.
The bank manager, a nervous man named Thomas Reed, met us in a private conference room.
“Mrs. Pierce, I understand you've requested access to a family safety deposit box.””
“Yes. Box 417.””
He examinedMrs. Pierce, I understand you've requested access to a family safety deposit box.””
“Yes. Box 417.””
He examined the authorization.
Then he looked up.
“I'm afraid there is an issue.””
Margaret leaned forward.
“What issue?””
“An the authorization.
Then he looked up.
“I'm afraid there is an issue.””
Margaret leaned forward.
“What issue?””
“An access request was submitted yesterday. The account holder's representative requested that the box be transferred to another branch access request was submitted yesterday. The account holder's representative requested that the box be transferred to another branch.””
I placed my identification on the desk.
“I am the account holder's designated successor.””
.””
I placed my identification on the desk.
“I am the account holder's designated successor.””
Mr. Reed examined the documents.
“Yes, ma'am. We have your mother's original instructions on file. However, we alsoMr. Reed examined the documents.
“Yes, ma'am. We have your mother's original instructions on file. However, we also have a newer authorization.””
“Which is forged.””
He hesitated.
“That's a serious allegation.””
“Then let's have a newer authorization.””
“Which is forged.””
He hesitated.
“That's a serious allegation.””
“Then let's verify it.””
Margaret handed him the court notice.
“The bank is now under formal notice that verify it.””
Margaret handed him the court notice.
“The bank is now under formal notice that any transfer, opening, or alteration of the box without independent verification may constitute interference with evidence in an any transfer, opening, or alteration of the box without independent verification may constitute interference with evidence in an ongoing investigation.””
Mr. Reed read it carefully.
Then he nodded.
“I'll have the box brought up.””
Twenty ongoing investigation.””
Mr. Reed read it carefully.
Then he nodded.
“I'll have the box brought up.””
Twenty minutes later, he returned carrying a small metal container.
My mother's name was engraved on the front.
I stared at it.
The key minutes later, he returned carrying a small metal container.
My mother's name was engraved on the front.
I stared at it.
The key turned.
The lid opened.
Inside were three items.
A velvet pouch.
A sealed envelope.
And a small leather turned.
The lid opened.
Inside were three items.
A velvet pouch.
A sealed envelope.
And a small leather notebook.
I picked up the envelope first.
It contained twenty-two percent of the original voting shares in Alden Meridian Holdings.
The notebook.
I picked up the envelope first.
It contained twenty-two percent of the original voting shares in Alden Meridian Holdings.
The reserve allocation.
My father's hidden safeguard.
I looked at Margaret.
“Is this enough to confirm control reserve allocation.
My father's hidden safeguard.
I looked at Margaret.
“Is this enough to confirm control?””
She examined the certificates.
“It's significant. But the trustee will need to authenticate them.””
I nodded?””
She examined the certificates.
“It's significant. But the trustee will need to authenticate them.””
I nodded.
Then I opened the leather notebook.
The first page contained my mother's handwriting.
*Company records, private notes, and financial discrepancies.
Then I opened the leather notebook.
The first page contained my mother's handwriting.
Company records, private notes, and financial discrepancies.
I turned the pages.
Bank account numbers.
Dates.
Names.
Payments.
Then I found a page with a heading that made my stomach tighten.*
I turned the pages.
Bank account numbers.
Dates.
Names.
Payments.
Then I found a page with a heading that made my stomach tighten.
*Eleanor Pierce — Personal Financial Arrangements.*
There were several entries.
The first was dated eight months before my mother's death.
The last.
*Eleanor Pierce — Personal Financial Arrangements.*
There were several entries.
The first was dated eight months before my mother's death.
The last was dated two days before it.
Every entry referenced a payment to a medical services company.
I looked at Margaret was dated two days before it.
Every entry referenced a payment to a medical services company.
I looked at Margaret.
“Do you recognize this name?””
She shook her head.
I turned the page.
A handwritten note appeared beneath the final transaction.
“Do you recognize this name?””
She shook her head.
I turned the page.
A handwritten note appeared beneath the final transaction.
*Peter says the records can be corrected. Richard must not find out until.
Peter says the records can be corrected. Richard must not find out until after the insurance settlement.
My breath caught.
Peter.
Dr. Peter Harlan.
I continued reading.
The next page contained a sentence after the insurance settlement.*
My breath caught.
Peter.
Dr. Peter Harlan.
I continued reading.
The next page contained a sentence underlined twice.
If Eleanor discovers that I have copied the original records, I will not be safe.
I put the notebook down.
The room seemed suddenly too small.
Then I noticed the velvet pouch.
Inside was a small cassette tape.
A underlined twice.
If Eleanor discovers that I have copied the original records, I will not be safe.
I put the notebook down.
The room seemed suddenly too small.
Then I noticed the velvet pouch.
Inside was a small cassette tape.
A label had been attached.
*November 14 — Richard's final instruction.*
I looked at Margaret.
“Do we have a tape player?””
She shook her head.
“Not here.””
label had been attached.
*November 14 — Richard's final instruction.*
I looked at Margaret.
“Do we have a tape player?””
She shook her head.
“Not here.””
Mr. Reed spoke from the doorway.
“The bank has an archival equipment room. We may be able to arrange accessMr. Reed spoke from the doorway.
“The bank has an archival equipment room. We may be able to arrange access.””
Margaret looked at him.
“Please do.””
While we waited, my phone vibrated.
A message from Camden.
I know you're at the bank.
Another followed.
*.””
Margaret looked at him.
“Please do.””
While we waited, my phone vibrated.
A message from Camden.
I know you're at the bank.
Another followed.
You don't understand what you're about to uncover.
Then:
If you play that recording, you will destroy the only family you have left.
You don't understand what you're about to uncover.*
Then:
If you play that recording, you will destroy the only family you have left.
I stared at the screen.
Then I typed one sentence.
You should have thought about family before you stole from mine.
I put the phone away.
An hour later, the cassette was transferred to a digital recording.
TheI stared at the screen.
Then I typed one sentence.
You should have thought about family before you stole from mine.
I put the phone away.
An hour later, the cassette was transferred to a digital recording.
The audio began with static.
Then my father's voice filled the room.
“Elizabeth, if you're hearing this, I've failed to keep audio began with static.
Then my father's voice filled the room.
“Elizabeth, if you're hearing this, I've failed to keep my promise.””
I closed my eyes.
His voice sounded tired.
But unmistakably his.
my promise.””
I closed my eyes.
His voice sounded tired.
But unmistakably his.
“I know what Eleanor has done. I know what Caroline helped conceal. And I know Camden has been brought into something he doesn't fully understand.””
A pause.
Then another voice.
My mother's.
“Richard, you have to tell Vivian.””
My breath“I know what Eleanor has done. I know what Caroline helped conceal. And I know Camden has been brought into something he doesn't fully understand.””
A pause.
Then another voice.
My mother's.
“Richard, you have to tell Vivian.””
My breath stopped.
It was her voice.
The voice I had not heard since I was a child.
My father continued.
“She isn't ready.””
“She will never be ready if you keep treating her like a little girl.””
I pressed my hand against my mouth.
Then my stopped.
It was her voice.
The voice I had not heard since I was a child.
My father continued.
“She isn't ready.””
“She will never be ready if you keep treating her like a little girl.””
I pressed my hand against my mouth.
Then my father said something that made Margaret turn sharply toward me.
“Camden has agreed to marry her.””
There was a long silence.
Then my mother's voice returned.
“Does he father said something that made Margaret turn sharply toward me.
“Camden has agreed to marry her.””
There was a long silence.
Then my mother's voice returned.
“Does he love her?””
My father answered quietly.
“I believe he wants to.””
I felt tears slide down my cheeks.
And then the recording continued love her?””
My father answered quietly.
“I believe he wants to.””
I felt tears slide down my cheeks.
And then the recording continued.
“But if he ever chooses money over Vivian, I want the trust to make sure he cannot destroy her.””
The recording ended with a final sentence.
“But if he ever chooses money over Vivian, I want the trust to make sure he cannot destroy her.””
The recording ended with a final sentence.
My father's voice.
“Because I know what Eleanor is capable of. And I know she will come back for the shares.””
I.
My father's voice.
“Because I know what Eleanor is capable of. And I know she will come back for the shares.””
I sat completely still.
Then the bank manager returned.
He was holding a telephone.
“Mrs. Pierce, I'm sorry to interrupt sat completely still.
Then the bank manager returned.
He was holding a telephone.
“Mrs. Pierce, I'm sorry to interrupt. There's an urgent call from the trustee's office.””
I took it.
“Vivian Pierce.””
A woman's voice answered.
“Mrs. Pierce, this is Margaret. There's an urgent call from the trustee's office.””
I took it.
“Vivian Pierce.””
A woman's voice answered.
“Mrs. Pierce, this is Margaret Sloan from Whitmore & Hale. We have completed an initial review of the ownership documents.””
“And?””
“Your father's reserve shares Sloan from Whitmore & Hale. We have completed an initial review of the ownership documents.””
“And?””
“Your father's reserve shares are authentic.””
I closed my eyes.
“Thank you.””
“But there is a problem are authentic.””
I closed my eyes.
“Thank you.””
“But there is a problem.””
I looked at my attorney.
“What problem?””
“The trust's primary beneficiary has been challenged by a second claimant.””
“Who?””
The woman hesitated.
Then she said:
“Your mother's estate.””
I frowned.
“My mother is dead.””
“Yes..””
I looked at my attorney.
“What problem?””
“The trust's primary beneficiary has been challenged by a second claimant.””
“Who?””
The woman hesitated.
Then she said:
“Your mother's estate.””
I frowned.
“My mother is dead.””
“Yes. But someone has filed a claim asserting that her original ownership interest was never legally transferred to you.””
My heart began But someone has filed a claim asserting that her original ownership interest was never legally transferred to you.””
My heart began pounding.
“Who filed it?””
pounding.
“Who filed it?””
A pause.
Then the answer came.
“Eleanor Pierce.””
A pause.
May you like
Then the answer came.
“Eleanor Pierce.””
