Chapter 9 - The Second Lawyer
The emergency lights came on.
Madison moved Ethan behind the desk.
Bradley stood near the door.
Who are they?
Bradley shook his head.
I do not know.
You are lying.
Bradley looked at her.
For the first time, the arrogance was gone.
There are people who have been waiting years for that journal.
Why?
Because it proves the money was never stolen.
Then where did it go?
Bradley looked at Ethan.
Your grandfather placed it somewhere nobody would think to look.
Where?
Bradley pointed toward the wall.
Madison followed his gaze.
There was a painting.
She removed it.
Behind it was a safe.
The key from the metal box fit.
The safe opened.
Inside was a flash drive.
And another document.
Madison reached for it.
Bradley stopped her.
Do not open that here.
Why?
Because if it is what I think it is, your father will become the least of your problems.
Madison ignored him.
She opened the document.
It was a legal agreement.
The beneficiary was Ethan Carter.
The trustee was Madison Carter.
Madison stared.
Me?
Bradley nodded.
Your grandfather changed the trust before he died.
Why did nobody tell me?
Because your mother intercepted the amendment.
Madison turned toward the doorway.
Evelyn stood there.
She looked broken.
I was trying to protect you.
By stealing my inheritance?
By keeping you alive.
Madison stepped closer.
From whom?
Evelyn looked at Bradley.
Tell her.
Bradley shook his head.
Evelyn whispered:
The person who caused your grandfather's death was never investigated.
Madison's face hardened.
Who?
Evelyn looked at Richard.
He knows.
Madison turned.
Where is Dad?
Nobody answered.
Then Ethan pointed toward the window.
His car is gone.
Madison looked outside.
May you like
Richard had disappeared.
And he had taken the original packet with him.
