Chapter 7 - The Name Victoria Feared
Nolan refused to talk after that.
He asked for a lawyer and shut down completely.
But his storage unit talked for him.
Police found burner phones, forged identification, cash, lock picks, sedatives, and copies of Vale Systems board schedules. In a steel toolbox was a ledger with payments from a shell company called North Creek Consulting.
Arthur recognized the address.
“It’s one of our legal subsidiaries,” he said.
Detective Kim looked up. “Who controls it?”
Arthur did not want to answer.
“Graham Pike.”
Elena frowned. “Who is that?”
“My chief financial officer.”
More than that, Graham had been Arthur’s best friend since college. He had stood beside Arthur at his wedding. He was Leo’s godfather.
Arthur called him immediately.
No answer.
He called again.
Voicemail.
Kim said, “Don’t warn him.”
Arthur lowered the phone. “If Graham is involved, I need to know why.”
“You need to let us find out how.”
Back at the mansion, police finished processing the red room. Arthur and Elena entered only after it was released.
The place felt smaller now.
Elena noticed a scratch under the desk. She crouched and found a loose floorboard.
Under it was an envelope.
Arthur’s name was written across the front in Victoria’s handwriting.
Inside was a handwritten note.
Arthur,
If you are reading this, something has gone wrong. I made choices I cannot defend, but there is more happening than you know. Graham found a weakness in the trust. He said we could use it. Then he changed the plan. He said Leo became a problem. I told him no. I tried to stop him. I swear I did.
Arthur stopped reading.
Elena took the page from his shaking hand and continued.
Nolan built the room. I thought Leo would be hidden for hours, not days. Graham wanted you broken before the board vote. He wanted you to sign control over “temporarily.” I was greedy enough to start this and cowardly enough to let it get worse.
The final line was written darker, as if the pen had nearly torn the paper.
If Graham knows Leo is alive, he will come back.
A floorboard creaked behind them.
May you like
Arthur turned.
The basement lights went out.
