Chapter 9 - The Lawyer Who Refused
The next morning Daniel walked into attorney Grace Kline's office carrying the fraudulent trust document.
Grace read it twice, then closed her door.
"This isn't mine," she said. "I warned you about Vanessa's proposed changes in April. You told me to stop calling."
"I never said that."
Grace opened her email archive. A message from Daniel's account instructed her to send all future documents to Vanessa.
Grace had represented Daniel's company since its first risky year. She knew the difference between his official signature and the impatient scrawl he used on delivery receipts. At one meeting, Vanessa had asked her to make the guardianship documents 'more modern.' Grace requested that Daniel attend. Vanessa said he disliked legal details and preferred that she handle them. Grace refused anyway. Now, looking at the fake trust, she realized the pressure had been a test. The people behind it wanted to know whether the lawyer could be persuaded to let another person speak for her client. Grace felt guilty for not pushing harder, but she also knew guilt would not protect Lily. She began making the calls that could.
"She had my password," Daniel said.
"She also asked me to remove Rachel as Lily's alternate guardian. I refused without speaking to you personally."
Daniel stared at her. "And you didn't tell me?"
"I called. A man answered your phone and said you were recovering from surgery."
Daniel had never had surgery.
Grace printed the message headers and helped him notify his bank, change passwords and revoke any unauthorized powers of attorney. She also insisted that he update Lily's guardianship documents immediately.
"Can you make sure Vanessa stays away from her?" he asked.
"We can request a protective order based on the threats and evidence, but a judge will decide. Meanwhile, have someone you trust with Lily."
On his way out, Daniel received a call from Vanessa.
"I know you've been talking to people," she said.
"You forged my signature."
"You're making a mistake by treating me like an enemy."
"Where is Ben Ward?"
May you like
Silence.
Then she spoke so softly he nearly missed it. "If you want to know where he is, come home alone. Don't bring the detective."
