Chapter 8 - The Signature That Shouldn't Exist
Evelyn's mother, Grace, had died twelve years before Thomas. She had been a notary, and her official seal had vanished from the family's office after her funeral.
"They're counting on nobody checking dates," Evelyn said.
Marcus nodded. "The document claims to have been signed six years ago. That would make Grace's commission long expired."
"Then we win."
"We prove this document is fake. We still have to find out who filed it and what they're hiding."
Daniel called before Evelyn could answer.
"Come back to the hotel," he said. "I'll explain everything."
"Explain why you threatened my father on camera."
Silence.
"You saw that?" he finally whispered.
"I saw enough."
"No. You saw a fight. Thomas was going to make accusations he couldn't prove. I was trying to stop him from getting himself hurt."
"By threatening him?"
"Evelyn, Celeste has people in city government. I didn't have choices."
"You always had one choice. You could have told me."
He exhaled. "Meet me at the riverfront diner. Alone. I have something you need."
Noah shook his head violently. Evelyn put the call on speaker.
"If you want to talk, you talk to the police," she said.
"They won't protect you," Daniel answered. "And one of them is already at Noah's door."
Headlights swept across the apartment windows. A uniformed officer knocked, then held up a folded paper.
"Evelyn Hart? We have a warrant for your arrest on suspicion of corporate theft and evidence tampering."
Noah looked at the copied drive in his hand.
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Evelyn pulled an old family photo from her wallet. In it Grace held a newborn Noah while Thomas stood beside them with one arm around Evelyn, who was missing both front teeth. 'They've been dead for years,' Noah said, staring at the forged seal. 'And these people still can't leave them alone.' Evelyn turned the photo face down before her brother could see her cry.
Outside, a second cruiser rolled silently into place.
