Chapter 8: The Money## Chapter 8: The Money My Husband My Husband Stole Twice
I took a Stole Twice
I took a photograph of the transfer confirmation before Camille could put it away.
Then I asked photograph of the transfer confirmation before Camille could put it away.
Then I asked her to leave the original document on the table.
She stared at me as though I'd asked her to surrender her wedding ring.
"E her to leave the original document on the table.
She stared at me as though I'd asked her to surrender her wedding ring.
"Eleanor, I told you I don't know what it means.""
"And I told you I believe you should let my lawyer examine it.""
"Butleanor, I told you I don't know what it means.""
"And I told you I believe you should let my lawyer examine it.""
"But it's a private financial document.""
"So is the declaration you signed without reading.""
it's a private financial document.""
"So is the declaration you signed without reading.""
Her lips tightened.
For a moment, I thought sheHer lips tightened.
For a moment, I thought she would refuse.
Then she pushed the paper toward me.
"Fine. Take it.""
I didn't.
"Camille, I can't simply take a document from would refuse.
Then she pushed the paper toward me.
"Fine. Take it.""
I didn't.
"Camille, I can't simply take a document from you and pretend I know where it's been. Photograph every page, preserve the original, and tell Beatrix exactly you and pretend I know where it's been. Photograph every page, preserve the original, and tell Beatrix exactly how you found it. She'll arrange the appropriate review.""
Camille looked down at the paper.
"You how you found it. She'll arrange the appropriate review.""
Camille looked down at the paper.
"You really don't trust anyone anymore, do you?""
I almost smiled.
"Trust really don't trust anyone anymore, do you?""
I almost smiled.
"Trust is what got me here.""
She slipped the document back into her folder.
Before leaving, she paused beside my is what got me here.""
She slipped the document back into her folder.
Before leaving, she paused beside my chair.
"I meant what I said about the invitation. I wanted to hurt you.""
I looked up at her chair.
"I meant what I said about the invitation. I wanted to hurt you.""
I looked up at her.
"Why?""
"Because I was afraid you would tell everyone what I'd done.""
"You were afraid of being exposed, so you tried.
"Why?""
"Because I was afraid you would tell everyone what I'd done.""
"You were afraid of being exposed, so you tried to humiliate me first.""
She nodded slowly.
"Yes.""
At least this time, she didn't invent a prettier to humiliate me first.""
She nodded slowly.
"Yes.""
At least this time, she didn't invent a prettier explanation.
"I don't expect you to forgive me," she whispered.
"Good. Because I'm explanation.
"I don't expect you to forgive me," she whispered.
"Good. Because I'm not ready to decide what forgiveness means.""
She walked away not ready to decide what forgiveness means.""
She walked away.
I stayed at the café until Beatrix arrived.
When I showed her the photographs, she studied the transfer confirmation in.
I stayed at the café until Beatrix arrived.
When I showed her the photographs, she studied the transfer confirmation in silence.
"Meridian Family Services," she said finally.
"That's a new name.""
"Another company?""
"Possibly. We'll verify its registration silence.
"Meridian Family Services," she said finally.
"That's a new name.""
"Another company?""
"Possibly. We'll verify its registration and ownership.""
"What about the $480,000?""
"We'll trace it. The reference field and ownership.""
"What about the $480,000?""
"We'll trace it. The reference field is suspicious, but we need the underlying records to determine what the payment represented.""
"Could that is suspicious, but we need the underlying records to determine what the payment represented.""
"Could that money have been part of my divorce settlement?""
"It could have been connected to the settlement process. We need to establish whether it was disclosed, whether you were entitled to any portion money have been part of my divorce settlement?""
"It could have been connected to the settlement process. We need to establish whether it was disclosed, whether you were entitled to any portion, and whether the payment was made for a legitimate purpose.""
I leaned forward.
"Beatrix, how many times can the same people use, and whether the payment was made for a legitimate purpose.""
I leaned forward.
"Beatrix, how many times can the same people use my name before we stop calling it suspicious?""
She held my gaze.
"Once we have the evidence to support a stronger conclusion, we'll call it what it is. Until my name before we stop calling it suspicious?""
She held my gaze.
"Once we have the evidence to support a stronger conclusion, we'll call it what it is. Until then, our job is to make sure nobody can dismiss the case because we moved faster then, our job is to make sure nobody can dismiss the case because we moved faster than the facts.""
I hated that she was right.
I also knew that was why I trusted her.
"All right," I said.
"What happens next?""
"We than the facts.""
I hated that she was right.
I also knew that was why I trusted her.
"All right," I said.
"What happens next?""
"We verify the company, request the bank records through the appropriate channels, and obtain the original transfer instruction. We also need the complete correspondence between Roland and Thomas regarding the declaration.""
"And Margaret verify the company, request the bank records through the appropriate channels, and obtain the original transfer instruction. We also need the complete correspondence between Roland and Thomas regarding the declaration.""
"And Margaret?""
"If she authorized the payment or participated in the transaction, we'll need to establish that, too?""
"If she authorized the payment or participated in the transaction, we'll need to establish that, too.""
I looked at the photograph on my phone.
Three names.
Roland Mercer.
Margaret Mercer.
Thomas V.""
I looked at the photograph on my phone.
Three names.
Roland Mercer.
Margaret Mercer.
Thomas Vane.
All connected to money that had moved through companies bearing names I recognized.
All connected to a declaration I had never signed.
And all connected to a marriage that had endedane.
All connected to money that had moved through companies bearing names I recognized.
All connected to a declaration I had never signed.
And all connected to a marriage that had ended with Roland telling me I should be grateful for what he'd left me.
"Beatrix," I said, "I want a complete with Roland telling me I should be grateful for what he'd left me.
"Beatrix," I said, "I want a complete accounting of every asset disclosed during the divorce. Not just the business interests. Everything.""
"That's already underway.""
"And I want to know whether the settlement can accounting of every asset disclosed during the divorce. Not just the business interests. Everything.""
"That's already underway.""
"And I want to know whether the settlement can be challenged if the records establish that material assets were concealed.""
"We'll assess that as soon as we have the evidence be challenged if the records establish that material assets were concealed.""
"We'll assess that as soon as we have the evidence. But don't assume every questionable transaction automatically invalidates the settlement. We need to connect the.
But don't assume every questionable transaction automatically invalidates the settlement. We need to connect the facts to the applicable legal requirements.""
I nodded.
Then I asked the question I'd been avoiding.
"What if facts to the applicable legal requirements.""
I nodded.
Then I asked the question I'd been avoiding.
"What if they used the money to make it look as though I benefited from the arrangement?""
Beatrix closed the folder.
"Then we establish what they used the money to make it look as though I benefited from the arrangement?""
Beatrix closed the folder.
"Then we establish what actually happened. If money was transferred into an account without your knowledge or authorization, the transaction itself does actually happened. If money was transferred into an account without your knowledge or authorization, the transaction itself does not prove you received or controlled the funds.""
"But it could look not prove you received or controlled the funds.""
"But it could look that way.""
"Yes. Which is why we need the records before anyone tells a story that way.""
"Yes. Which is why we need the records before anyone tells a story about you.""
I thought about the anonymous message.
Your former husband isn't the person who will destroy you if you keep digging.
For the first time, I wondered whether Roland had ever been the mastermind.
Perhaps he had about you.""
I thought about the anonymous message.
Your former husband isn't the person who will destroy you if you keep digging.
For the first time, I wondered whether Roland had ever been the mastermind.
Perhaps he had been the loudest person in the room, the man who took credit and issued instructions, while someone else handled the details.
Someone been the loudest person in the room, the man who took credit and issued instructions, while someone else handled the details.
Someone who knew how to make documents look legitimate.
Someone who had been present at my wedding, who knew how to make documents look legitimate.
Someone who had been present at my wedding, my divorce, and every major business negotiation that shaped my life.
Thomas my divorce, and every major business negotiation that shaped my life.
Thomas Vane.
The following morning, Daniel called with an update Vane.
The following morning, Daniel called with an update.
"We've located the registration record for Meridian Family Services.""
"Who owns it?""
"The company is held through a corporate services structure. The public filing doesn't identify the ultimate beneficial owner.""
".
"We've located the registration record for Meridian Family Services.""
"Who owns it?""
"The company is held through a corporate services structure. The public filing doesn't identify the ultimate beneficial owner.""
"Can you get it?""
"We're pursuing the underlying records. But there's something else. The transfer confirmation Camille foundCan you get it?""
"We're pursuing the underlying records. But there's something else. The transfer confirmation Camille found references an internal transaction code that matches a payment in the Mercer Holdings ledger.""
"How much?""
"Four hundred eighty thousand dollars.""
"The same amount.""
references an internal transaction code that matches a payment in the Mercer Holdings ledger.""
"How much?""
"Four hundred eighty thousand dollars.""
"The same amount.""
"Yes.""
I sat at my desk.
"So the money came from Mercer Holdings?""
"The ledger suggests the payment originated from a company account associated"Yes.""
I sat at my desk.
"So the money came from Mercer Holdings?""
"The ledger suggests the payment originated from a company account associated with Mercer Holdings. We haven't independently confirmed the bank movement yet.""
"Where did it go afterward?""
"Part of it appears to with Mercer Holdings. We haven't independently confirmed the bank movement yet.""
"Where did it go afterward?""
"Part of it appears to have been transferred to an investment account. Another portion went toward a property purchase.""
"Whose property?""
Daniel paused.
"That's the interesting have been transferred to an investment account. Another portion went toward a property purchase.""
"Whose property?""
Daniel paused.
"That's the interesting part. The purchase records identify a holding company connected to the house Roland part. The purchase records identify a holding company connected to the house Roland acquired after your divorce.""
I looked at the wall.
My former house.
The property he'd insisted was his to keep.
"Was that acquired after your divorce.""
I looked at the wall.
My former house.
The property he'd insisted was his to keep.
"Was that house purchased with money from the company?""
"We're not ready house purchased with money from the company?""
"We're not ready to say that. But the timing and amounts warrant further investigation.""
I stood and walked to the window.
For months, I'd imagined that Roland had simply moved to say that. But the timing and amounts warrant further investigation.""
I stood and walked to the window.
For months, I'd imagined that Roland had simply moved on faster than I could.
He'd bought new furniture. He'd renovated the house. He'd put a ring on Camille's finger and announced a baby.
I'd on faster than I could.
He'd bought new furniture. He'd renovated the house. He'd put a ring on Camille's finger and announced a baby.
I'd assumed he was spending his own money assumed he was spending his own money.
Now I wondered whether the house, the nursery, and the life Camille had flaunted online had all been financed through transactions that I had unknowingly helped make possible.
"Daniel, can.
Now I wondered whether the house, the nursery, and the life Camille had flaunted online had all been financed through transactions that I had unknowingly helped make possible.
"Daniel, can you trace the money back to its source?""
"That's what we're doing.""
"Do it.""
After we ended the call, I opened the notebook from you trace the money back to its source?""
"That's what we're doing.""
"Do it.""
After we ended the call, I opened the notebook from my final months of marriage.
my final months of marriage.
I found an entry dated three weeks before I signed the divorce settlement.
Roland asked whether I would agree to a final reconciliation of consulting fees after the divorce. He said the family office needed a clean record before transferring certain assets.
I had written another sentence beneath itI found an entry dated three weeks before I signed the divorce settlement.
Roland asked whether I would agree to a final reconciliation of consulting fees after the divorce. He said the family office needed a clean record before transferring certain assets.
I had written another sentence beneath it.
I told him I wouldn't approve anything without an itemized schedule.
There was no note about what happened next.
But I remembered the conversation.
We'd been sitting in the study of our old house. Roland had poured himself a drink and pushed a stack of papers across the desk.
I told him I wouldn't approve anything without an itemized schedule.
There was no note about what happened next.
But I remembered the conversation.
We'd been sitting in the study of our old house. Roland had poured himself a drink and pushed a stack of papers across the desk.
"Just sign the acknowledgment, Ellie.""
"What acknowledgment?""
"The final reconciliation.""
"I haven't seen the figures.""
"You don't need to see every figure. It's an administrative form.""
"Then it shouldn't be difficult to provide the schedule.""
He'd looked at me with exhausted contempt.
"Why do you always assume I'm trying to cheat you?""
I remembered.
"Just sign the acknowledgment, Ellie.""
"What acknowledgment?""
"The final reconciliation.""
"I haven't seen the figures.""
"You don't need to see every figure. It's an administrative form.""
"Then it shouldn't be difficult to provide the schedule.""
He'd looked at me with exhausted contempt.
"Why do you always assume I'm trying to cheat you?""
I remembered feeling ashamed.
Not because I'd done anything wrong, but because he had made my reasonable questions feel like personal attacks feeling ashamed.
Not because I'd done anything wrong, but because he had made my reasonable questions feel like personal attacks.
"I don't assume that," I'd said.
"I.
"I don't assume that," I'd said.
"I just want to know what I'm signing.""
He'd taken the papers back.
"Fine. I'll have Thomas deal with it.""
Three weeks later, I signed the settlement.
I never saw the acknowledgment again just want to know what I'm signing.""
He'd taken the papers back.
"Fine. I'll have Thomas deal with it.""
Three weeks later, I signed the settlement.
I never saw the acknowledgment again.
I closed the notebook.
Someone had taken my refusal to approve an unexplained payment and turned it into an apparent authorization.
If that was what had happened, then.
I closed the notebook.
Someone had taken my refusal to approve an unexplained payment and turned it into an apparent authorization.
If that was what had happened, then the lie had begun before the divorce was final.
And if the $480,000 transfer was connected to the same arrangement, it might explain why Roland the lie had begun before the divorce was final.
And if the $480,000 transfer was connected to the same arrangement, it might explain why Roland had been so determined to control the settlement terms.
My phone rang.
Thomas Vane.
I had been so determined to control the settlement terms.
My phone rang.
Thomas Vane.
I stared at his name for several seconds before answering.
"Eleanor," he said pleasantly.
"I was hoping we could stared at his name for several seconds before answering.
"Eleanor," he said pleasantly.
"I was hoping we could speak.""
"About what?""
"Recent developments. I understand you've been reviewing some old business records.""
"That's correct.""
"These matters speak.""
"About what?""
"Recent developments. I understand you've been reviewing some old business records.""
"That's correct.""
"These matters can become unnecessarily complicated when people misunderstand the documentation.""
"Then perhaps you can help me understand it.""
can become unnecessarily complicated when people misunderstand the documentation.""
"Then perhaps you can help me understand it.""
A pause.
"Of course. That's why I'm calling.""
"Did you handle the dissolution of ValeA pause.
"Of course. That's why I'm calling.""
"Did you handle the dissolution of Vale Meridian?""
"Yes.""
"Did you create the replacement company?""
"No.""
"Did you Meridian?""
"Yes.""
"Did you create the replacement company?""
"No.""
"Did you authorize payments from Northbridge to Meridian Family Services?""
"I would need to review the specific transactions.""
"Did you notar authorize payments from Northbridge to Meridian Family Services?""
"I would need to review the specific transactions.""
"Did you notarize a declaration bearing my signature?""
"I notarized a document presented to me in the ordinary course of business.""
ize a declaration bearing my signature?""
"I notarized a document presented to me in the ordinary course of business.""
"Did you verify that I was present?""
The silence that followed was longer.
Finally, he said, "I cannot discuss privileged"Did you verify that I was present?""
The silence that followed was longer.
Finally, he said, "I cannot discuss privileged matters over the telephone.""
"That's convenient.""
"Eleanor, I understand you're upset. But I would caution you against making accusations based on incomplete information.""
"I'm matters over the telephone.""
"That's convenient.""
"Eleanor, I understand you're upset. But I would caution you against making accusations based on incomplete information.""
"I'm asking questions.""
"Questions can imply accusations.""
"Only when the answers asking questions.""
"Questions can imply accusations.""
"Only when the answers are uncomfortable.""
His voice cooled.
"You were a client of my firm for several years. I are uncomfortable.""
His voice cooled.
"You were a client of my firm for several years. I would hate to see you damage your reputation by pursuing an unfounded grievance.""
I felt my would hate to see you damage your reputation by pursuing an unfounded grievance.""
I felt my pulse quicken.
There it was.
The same old threat, dressed in professional language.
"You don't pulse quicken.
There it was.
The same old threat, dressed in professional language.
"You don't need to worry about my reputation, Thomas.""
"I assure you, I'm not worried.""
"Then need to worry about my reputation, Thomas.""
"I assure you, I'm not worried.""
"Then you won't mind providing the engagement letters, invoices, and original documents associated you won't mind providing the engagement letters, invoices, and original documents associated with these transactions.""
"Those matters will be handled through the appropriate channels.""
"Excellent. That's what my lawyer has with these transactions.""
"Those matters will be handled through the appropriate channels.""
"Excellent. That's what my lawyer has requested.""
I ended the call.
Within minutes, Beatrix texted me.
* requested.""
I ended the call.
Within minutes, Beatrix texted me.
Do not speak with Thomas again without consulting me first. He has contacted our office requesting a discussion about resolvingDo not speak with Thomas again without consulting me first. He has contacted our office requesting a discussion about resolving the dispute privately.
I typed back:
What does he want?
Her response came the dispute privately.*
I typed back:
What does he want?
Her response came almost immediately.
He wants you to sign a confidentiality agreement and a release of claims in exchange for a payment.
I stared at the screen.
almost immediately.
He wants you to sign a confidentiality agreement and a release of claims in exchange for a payment.
I stared at the screen.
How much?
One million dollars.
For a moment, I couldn't moveHow much?
One million dollars.
For a moment, I couldn't move.
One million dollars.
Not an apology.
Not an explanation.
A price.
A million.
One million dollars.
Not an apology.
Not an explanation.
A price.
A million dollars to stop asking questions about money that might already have been mine.
I called Beatrix.
dollars to stop asking questions about money that might already have been mine.
I called Beatrix.
"Did he explain what the payment was for?""
"He described it as a"Did he explain what the payment was for?""
"He described it as a goodwill settlement relating to historic consulting arrangements. He also goodwill settlement relating to historic consulting arrangements. He also wants you to agree not to pursue claims against Thomas Vane Legal, wants you to agree not to pursue claims against Thomas Vane Legal, Mercer Holdings, or any related entities.""
"Does the offer admit wrongdoing?""
"No.""
" Mercer Holdings, or any related entities.""
"Does the offer admit wrongdoing?""
"No.""
"Does it explain the $480,000?""
"No.""
"Does it identify the owner of Meridian Family Services?""
"No.""
I laughedDoes it explain the $480,000?""
"No.""
"Does it identify the owner of Meridian Family Services?""
"No.""
I laughed quietly.
"Then what exactly am I being paid to do?""
"Give up your right to pursue quietly.
"Then what exactly am I being paid to do?""
"Give up your right to pursue certain claims, potentially including claims we haven't fully identified yet.""
"Decl certain claims, potentially including claims we haven't fully identified yet.""
"Decline it.""
"I expected you might say that, but I want you to understand the implications. Aine it.""
"I expected you might say that, but I want you to understand the implications. A settlement could provide certainty and avoid lengthy litigation. Rejecting it means we continue investigating, and that settlement could provide certainty and avoid lengthy litigation. Rejecting it means we continue investigating, and that process may be expensive and difficult.""
"I understand.""
"Then I'll respond process may be expensive and difficult.""
"I understand.""
"Then I'll respond that you won't consider any proposal without complete disclosure and a proper accounting.""
I looked at that you won't consider any proposal without complete disclosure and a proper accounting.""
I looked at the photograph of my old house on my phone.
A million dollars.
They thought the photograph of my old house on my phone.
A million dollars.
They thought I could be bought for less than the value of the truth they were trying to bury.
"Beatrix," I said I could be bought for less than the value of the truth they were trying to bury.
"Beatrix," I said, "I don't want their money.""
"Then what do you want?""
"I want to know why, "I don't want their money.""
"Then what do you want?""
"I want to know why my name is on documents I never signed. I want to know where the money went. And I want the truth my name is on documents I never signed.
I want to know where the money went. And I want the truth on the record before anyone transfers a company to a child who has no idea what's on the record before anyone transfers a company to a child who has no idea what's happening.""
There was a pause.
"All right," she said.
"Then that's what we'll pursue.""
That afternoon, Camille happening.""
There was a pause.
"All right," she said.
"Then that's what we'll pursue.""
That afternoon, Camille called.
"I found something else," she said.
Her voice sounded thin and exhausted called.
"I found something else," she said.
Her voice sounded thin and exhausted.
"What?""
"A letter from Margaret to Thomas. It was in a folder with.
"What?""
"A letter from Margaret to Thomas. It was in a folder with the trust documents.""
"What does it say?""
"She wrote that the family needed to secure the inheritance before the paternity question the trust documents.""
"What does it say?""
"She wrote that the family needed to secure the inheritance before the paternity question became public.""
I closed my eyes.
"Did she mention my name?""
"Yes.""
"Read became public.""
I closed my eyes.
"Did she mention my name?""
"Yes.""
"Read the exact wording.""
Camille rustled papers.
"She wrote, 'Eleanor's historical approvals must remain attached to the original schedule. the exact wording.""
Camille rustled papers.
"She wrote, 'Eleanor's historical approvals must remain attached to the original schedule. Removing them now would raise questions about the validity of the entire arrangement.''"
I felt the blood drain from my face.
" Removing them now would raise questions about the validity of the entire arrangement.''"
I felt the blood drain from my face.
"Anything else?""
"There's a second paragraph. It says the family should complete the transfer before Roland's medical history becomesAnything else?""
"There's a second paragraph. It says the family should complete the transfer before Roland's medical history becomes relevant to the trust.""
I sat very still.
This wasn't simply a financial dispute anymore.
The records suggested that someone had been planning around relevant to the trust.""
I sat very still.
This wasn't simply a financial dispute anymore.
The records suggested that someone had been planning around the possibility that Roland's fertility history would become an issue.
They'd known his medical condition could undermine the story he wanted to tell about his son.
And they had apparently been determined the possibility that Roland's fertility history would become an issue.
They'd known his medical condition could undermine the story he wanted to tell about his son.
And they had apparently been determined to secure the trust before anyone could challenge it.
"Camille, preserve that letter. Don't send to secure the trust before anyone could challenge it.
"Camille, preserve that letter. Don't send it to me directly. Contact Beatrix and explain exactly where you found it.""
"I will.""
"One it to me directly. Contact Beatrix and explain exactly where you found it.""
"I will.""
"One more thing. Did Margaret know Alistair was involved with you?""
Cam more thing. Did Margaret know Alistair was involved with you?""
Camille began to cry.
"I think she suspected.""
"That's not the same as knowing.""
"I found a text from her to Roland. It said, 'Keep yourille began to cry.
"I think she suspected.""
"That's not the same as knowing.""
"I found a text from her to Roland. It said, 'Keep your brother away from the house until the announcement is complete.''"
I stared at the wall.
"When was it sent?""
brother away from the house until the announcement is complete.''"
I stared at the wall.
"When was it sent?""
"Two days before the shower.""
I slowly lowered the phone.
Margaret hadn't been"Two days before the shower.""
I slowly lowered the phone.
Margaret hadn't been surprised by Alistair's arrival.
She had been trying to prevent it.
And now I understood why.
The truth surprised by Alistair's arrival.
She had been trying to prevent it.
And now I understood why.
The truth about the baby threatened more than Roland's pride. It threatened a financial arrangement built around a future heir.
about the baby threatened more than Roland's pride. It threatened a financial arrangement built around a future heir.
A trust that might have been established using documents bearing my unauthorized signature.
A trust that could be challenged if the underlyingA trust that might have been established using documents bearing my unauthorized signature.
A trust that could be challenged if the underlying declarations were false.
A trust that someone had spent months trying to finalize before anyone declarations were false.
A trust that someone had spent months trying to finalize before anyone asked the wrong question.
"Camille," I said, "you need your own lawyer. Not Thomas. Not anyone asked the wrong question.
"Camille," I said, "you need your own lawyer. Not Thomas. Not anyone connected to the Mercer family.""
"I know.""
"And you need to stop protecting Roland.""
"I know.""
For a moment connected to the Mercer family.""
"I know.""
"And you need to stop protecting Roland.""
"I know.""
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then she whispered, "Eleanor, I think Margaret knew the baby was Alistair's before I did.""
The, neither of us spoke.
Then she whispered, "Eleanor, I think Margaret knew the baby was Alistair's before I did.""
The words settled between us.
I remembered Margaret's face when Alistair walked through words settled between us.
I remembered Margaret's face when Alistair walked through the door.
Her fear hadn't been the fear of a woman discovering an affair.
It had been the fear of a the door.
Her fear hadn't been the fear of a woman discovering an affair.
It had been the fear of a woman watching a carefully prepared story collapse.
Before I could respond, Camille added one final sentence.
"There's a meeting tomorrow morning woman watching a carefully prepared story collapse.
Before I could respond, Camille added one final sentence.
"There's a meeting tomorrow morning. Margaret, Roland, and Thomas are meeting at the family office. I found the calendar invitation.""
". Margaret, Roland, and Thomas are meeting at the family office. I found the calendar invitation.""
"What's the meeting about?""
"The trust.""
I looked at my notebook.
Three questions hadWhat's the meeting about?""
"The trust.""
I looked at my notebook.
Three questions had started this investigation.
Who authorized the Northbridge payments?
Who used my credentials?
Who knew the truth about the baby's paternity started this investigation.
Who authorized the Northbridge payments?
Who used my credentials?
Who knew the truth about the baby's paternity?
Now I had a fourth.
Who had planned to make sure the truth never mattered?
Now I had a fourth.
Who had planned to make sure the truth never mattered?
"Send the meeting details to Beatrix," I said.
"Don't go there?
"Send the meeting details to Beatrix," I said.
"Don't go there yourself.""
"Are you going?""
I looked at the one-million-dollar offer sitting unanswered yourself.""
"Are you going?""
I looked at the one-million-dollar offer sitting unanswered in my inbox.
"Not unless my lawyer thinks I should.""
Then in my inbox.
"Not unless my lawyer thinks I should.""
Then I ended the call.
An hour later, Beatrix contacted me with an update from I ended the call.
An hour later, Beatrix contacted me with an update from the document examiner.
The declaration bearing my signature had been compared with the original documents from my consulting firm.
Helen's preliminary report was careful, but its conclusion was clear the document examiner.
The declaration bearing my signature had been compared with the original documents from my consulting firm.
Helen's preliminary report was careful, but its conclusion was clear enough to demand further investigation.
The signature on the declaration appeared to have been reproduced from an earlier document rather than written enough to demand further investigation.
The signature on the declaration appeared to have been reproduced from an earlier document rather than written naturally.
There was also a discrepancy in the notarial record.
The date recorded in the register did not match the date printed on the declaration.
naturally.
There was also a discrepancy in the notarial record.
The date recorded in the register did not match the date printed on the declaration.
And the witness identification number belonged to a person who had not been present at the signing.
Beatrix called me.
"We have enough to take the next step," she saidAnd the witness identification number belonged to a person who had not been present at the signing.
Beatrix called me.
"We have enough to take the next step," she said.
"What step?""
"We're going to demand preservation of the relevant company.
"What step?""
"We're going to demand preservation of the relevant company records and request a formal accounting. We'll also notify the appropriate parties that the authenticity of the declaration is disputed.""
"Will they freeze the trust?""
"Not automatically. We'll records and request a formal accounting. We'll also notify the appropriate parties that the authenticity of the declaration is disputed.""
"Will they freeze the trust?""
"Not automatically. We'll assess the legal grounds for seeking an injunction once we have the complete transaction records and the trust instrument assess the legal grounds for seeking an injunction once we have the complete transaction records and the trust instrument.""
I looked at the invitation Camille had sent me.
The gold lettering had begun to peel.""
I looked at the invitation Camille had sent me.
The gold lettering had begun to peel at one corner.
"Beatrix, what if they transfer the assets before we can stop them?""
" at one corner.
"Beatrix, what if they transfer the assets before we can stop them?""
"Then we'll seek whatever remedies are available. But we need to act quickly and properly.""
I nodded.
ForThen we'll seek whatever remedies are available. But we need to act quickly and properly.""
I nodded.
For the first time since the affair, I felt something that resembled purpose.
Not revenge.
Not even vindication.
A determination to stop the first time since the affair, I felt something that resembled purpose.
Not revenge.
Not even vindication.
A determination to stop letting other people write the official version of my life.
The next morning, Beatrix sent me the proposed preservation letting other people write the official version of my life.
The next morning, Beatrix sent me the proposed preservation notice.
At the bottom of the recipient list was a name I hadn't expected.
**Marg notice.
At the bottom of the recipient list was a name I hadn't expected.
*Margaret Mercer — Personal Capacity and Authorized Representative of Meridian Family Services.*
I read it twice.
Margaret wasn't merely connected to the family.
She had apparently beenaret Mercer — Personal Capacity and Authorized Representative of Meridian Family Services.**
I read it twice.
Margaret wasn't merely connected to the family.
She had apparently been acting on behalf of the company that received the $480,000.
And when I opened the attachment containing the original corporate filing, I found a signature beneath the registration statement.
The acting on behalf of the company that received the $480,000.
And when I opened the attachment containing the original corporate filing, I found a signature beneath the registration statement.
The signature was unmistakable.
Margaret Mercer.
But the line directly beneath it identified the person who had witnessed the document.
**Thomas signature was unmistakable.
Margaret Mercer.
May you like
But the line directly beneath it identified the person who had witnessed the document.
*Thomas Vane.*
