Chapter 6 - The Signature That Wasn't Mine
"No," I told Rosa. "That isn't how I intend to do business."
Her expression didn't soften. "Intentions won't bring Walter back."
She was right. I asked if she would let Mara make copies of her folder and arrange a safe way to contact her. Rosa agreed only after I promised we wouldn't print her name in a press release. She had her reasons.
At two, I sat in the back row of a courthouse while Marcus's lawyers argued that I was a bitter spouse trying to sabotage a legitimate project. Their attorney, Victor Sloane, displayed the supposed amendment.
"Mrs. Vale signed this voluntarily," he said. "The bank paperwork is routine."
Mara stood. "We have a sworn statement from the notary that she did not notarize this document. We also have records showing that a company controlled by Mr. Vale would receive the transfer. We are requesting preservation, not a final determination today."
The judge heard both sides, then ordered the bank to hold the disputed transfer and required everyone to preserve the relevant records until the next hearing.
The narrow, temporary order kept the money in place.
Outside, Marcus waited near the elevators. His lawyers had told him to keep his distance.
"You're destroying everything we built," he said.
"We didn't build it so tenants could freeze."
"You think those people care about you? They want checks. They'll drain us dry."
"Then we should show them where the money went."
He leaned forward. Dani moved between us.
"Save it for your lawyer," she said.
Marcus glanced at my bruised face and lowered his voice. "What happens when they find out about the signatures you put on the reports?"
My stomach tightened. For years he'd handed me folders while I cooked dinner or packed for trips. "Just sign here, Ivy. Compliance needs it."
I hadn't read every page. I had been foolish enough to trust him, and I might have consequences to face for that.
May you like
"I'll tell them what I signed," I said.
His smile came back for one sickening second. "Good. Start with the report that says Walter Pierce's apartment was safe."
