Chapter 3 - The Name on the Paper
Daniel read the document three times.
Each time, his confusion became deeper.
“This account was opened under my name?”
Richard nodded.
“I didn't know about it.”
“Neither did I.”
Daniel looked at the date.
“Dad, this was eight months ago.”
“I know.”
“I was living three states away.”
“I know.”
“Then how could my identification be used?”
Richard had no answer.
Noah appeared again.
Daniel turned.
“I told you to stay upstairs.”
“I heard yelling.”
Richard looked at Noah.
“Noah, go upstairs.”
Noah didn't move.
Daniel softened.
“It's okay.”
Noah looked at Richard.
“Is Grandpa in trouble?”
Richard swallowed.
“I might be.”
Noah looked at his father.
Daniel crouched.
“We're going to figure it out.”
Richard watched them.
Something about Noah’s trust in Daniel made him feel ashamed.
For years, Richard had believed Daniel needed to become tougher.
He had mistaken kindness for weakness.
Now his son was the only person standing between him and a disaster he could not understand.
Daniel returned to the document.
“Where is Rebecca?”
“I don't know.”
“Where is Emily?”
“At home.”
“Does she know?”
Richard hesitated.
“I don't know.”
Daniel looked at him.
“You keep saying you don't know.”
“I don't.”
“Then what do you know?”
Richard took a breath.
“I know money disappeared.”
“How much?”
Richard told him.
Daniel stood immediately.
“That much?”
Richard nodded.
“And the police?”
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Because the attorney said we need to understand what we're dealing with first.”
Daniel shook his head.
“Dad, if someone stole millions and used my identity, waiting isn't going to fix anything.”
Richard looked toward the window.
“They aren't just investigating the money.”
“What else?”
Richard's voice dropped.
“They think the transfers may be connected to another company.”
“What company?”
Richard looked at Daniel.
“Yours.”
Daniel stared at him.
“My company hasn't handled family money in years.”
“I know.”
“Then why is my name there?”
Richard did not answer.
Daniel looked at the document again.
There was one detail he had missed.
A handwritten notation appeared in the corner.
D.C. approved.
Daniel’s face went cold.
“I never wrote this.”
Richard whispered.
“I know.”
“Who did?”
May you like
Richard looked at the door.
“I think Rebecca knows.”
