Chapter 14 - The Signature That Followed Us
I asked Daniel to show me the agreement. He said the original was in Meredith's file, but he'd kept a scan. When it appeared on his laptop, I saw Rose's name beside a signature that looked nothing like the careful cursive on her letters.
“It's forged,” I said.
Daniel nodded. “I know that now.”
“You were there.”
“I signed after Meredith told me Rose had received the money.”
“You weren't present when she signed?”
“No.”
“That means you witnessed something you didn't witness.”
He stared at his hands. “Yes.”
It was the first honest answer that also made me consider the possibility of ending our marriage.
Daniel had grown up inside a world where adults treated accountability as something hired people could handle. He wasn't cruel like Vivian. But he had been convenient, and convenience had damaged real lives.
“I'm giving this to Naomi,” he said.
“Good.”
“And I'll make a statement about what I did.”
“That doesn't make it go away.”
“I know.”
At the office, Naomi secured sworn statements from Ruth and Rose. Peter delivered bank tracing that connected Ashford's purchases to diverted charitable funds. A state investigator confirmed receipt of the materials, though she cautioned that an inquiry would take time.
One obstacle remained: the impending board vote.
Daniel confronted Meredith in a conference room while Sam watched from the corridor. He asked for the schedules and the original agreement. Meredith pretended to be confused, then told him Vivian would disinherit him if he continued.
Daniel said, “Then she can.”
Meredith smiled thinly. “You think your wife will forgive you because you finally chose the right side?”
“I don't know if she will.”
For the first time, he sounded as though he understood the point.
He left with copies of the schedules. But before he reached the elevator, Meredith called someone.
Sam caught only six words.
May you like
“Move the vote. Do it tonight.”
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