Chapter 2 - The Message Nobody Was Supposed to See
“Get the folder,” Nora said.
Adrian didn't move. Every instinct told him to stay beside her, to stop her trembling hands, to keep his own fear from showing. Lily had crawled behind him and was gripping the back of his jacket.
A woman in a silver dress knelt opposite him. “I'm a nurse. My name's Helen. Don't try to move her.”
Adrian nodded. “Ambulance is coming.”
“Adrian.” Nora's eyes flashed. “Please. The folder.”
He glanced toward the doors. Patricia was speaking urgently to a security guard, who kept looking back at the commotion.
“Ethan!” Adrian called.
His brother emerged beside his bride, Claire, whose face had gone pale under her wedding makeup. “What?”
“Keep Mom here.”
Ethan looked away. “This is her reception. She's probably trying to get help.”
“She's leaving.”
Claire pulled away from Ethan. “I'll go.”
Vanessa stepped between her and the doors. “Nobody's going anywhere until we deal with Nora's little performance.”
Helen's voice turned sharp. “A pregnant woman has fallen. Either help or move.”
Claire pushed past Vanessa. Adrian heard the wedding planner demand that guests put their phones away. Nobody listened.
The unknown number called a third time. Adrian answered on speaker, keeping the phone close to Nora.
A man's voice said, “Mrs. Bennett, it's Daniel Ruiz from the county recorder's office. I'm sorry. I know this isn't a good time.”
“Talk,” Nora whispered.
“The transfer document was filed at four twelve this afternoon. The signature isn't yours. And the account attached to it is being emptied as we speak.”
Adrian frowned. “What transfer?”
“The deed to the house on Briar Lane,” Daniel said. “Also, the escrow account in Nora Bennett's name. I've contacted the fraud desk, but you need the original paperwork.”
Nora shut her eyes. Briar Lane was the house where she and Lily lived. The house Nora's father had left her before he died.
Adrian felt sick. “Who filed it?”
Daniel hesitated. “The submitting attorney's office lists Patricia Cole as the authorized representative.”
At the far end of the room, Claire grabbed Patricia's arm. The blue folder slipped halfway free. Patricia slapped her daughter-in-law's hand away.
Then the ballroom doors burst open and two paramedics rushed inside.
May you like
The voice on the phone dropped to a whisper. “There's something else. The forged witness signature belongs to your brother.”
