Chapter 5 - The Missing Witness
Arthur had not trusted his son during the final year of his life.
According to Nora, Michael had convinced several investors to support a luxury housing project in the San Gabriel Valley. When construction costs increased, he began borrowing against assets he did not own.
First, he used his expected inheritance.
Then he forged Arthur’s name.
Arthur discovered the scheme after a bank called to confirm a loan secured against the mansion.
“He confronted Michael,” Nora explained. “Michael promised to repair the damage, but Arthur did not believe him.”
“What did Arthur do?”
“He created a new trust. You retained full control of the mansion and the family accounts during your lifetime. Afterward, most of the estate would pass to Emma.”
Evelyn looked through the documents.
Michael had been removed as executor and trustee. A separate fund had been created for Emma’s education and future housing. Nora and Gabriel were named as independent trustees.
“Why Gabriel?” Evelyn asked.
“Because Arthur believed his brother would protect Emma without being influenced by Michael.”
“But Arthur had not seen him for decades.”
“He regretted that. Finding Gabriel was part of his attempt to repair the past.”
Nora turned to the final page.
“Arthur also recorded a conversation in which Michael admitted using his signature. The recording and the original trust were placed in a fireproof case. Gabriel knew the storage location.”
“Where is the case?”
“I don’t know. Arthur refused to tell me. He said two people knowing was enough.”
“And after Arthur died?”
“Gabriel called my office. He said he was coming to Pasadena with a letter and Arthur’s ring. He never arrived.”
Evelyn thought of the cough behind the study wall.
“He arrived,” she whispered. “Michael found him first.”
Nora stared at her.
“Are you certain?”
“There is someone hidden in Arthur’s study.”
“We should contact the police.”
“I need proof.”
“If Michael is holding Gabriel against his will, waiting could put him in danger.”
Evelyn knew Nora was right. Yet she also knew Michael had prepared for suspicion. If the police arrived without evidence, he could claim Gabriel was a sick relative receiving private care. He could move the documents, destroy the recording, and portray Evelyn as confused.
“Give me until tonight,” she said.
Nora did not approve, but she understood.
She wrote a phone number on a card.
“This reaches me directly. If you call and say Arthur’s roses are blooming, I will contact the police immediately.”
When Evelyn returned to the mansion, Michael was waiting near the front door.
“You went to see Nora.”
Evelyn removed her coat.
“Did you follow me?”
“I’m trying to keep you safe.”
“You are trying to keep me isolated.”
His expression became cold.
“Everything I have done has been for this family.”
“Does that include locking an elderly man in the study?”
For a moment, Michael looked frightened.
Then the confidence returned.
“You should rest.”
That evening, he installed a new lock on Evelyn’s bedroom door.
He claimed it was for her protection.
Evelyn waited until the house became quiet and tested it.
The door could be opened from the hallway but not from inside.
She used a hairpin to release the old latch and slipped out.
At the end of the western corridor, light glowed beneath Arthur’s study door.
Evelyn approached.
Before she reached it, Emma stepped from the shadows.
The girl held a small camping lantern.
“Grandma,” she whispered, “Dad said we’re not allowed to come here.”
“Why are you awake?”
Emma looked toward the guest bathroom.
“I do my homework at night.”
“In the bathroom?”
“It’s the only room where the light doesn’t show under the hallway door.”
“Why can’t anyone see your light?”
Emma’s eyes filled with tears.
“Because Dad said the sick woman in Grandpa’s study can’t wake up.”
Evelyn looked at the locked door.
May you like
The coughing began again.
It was not a woman’s cough.
