Chapter 7 - THE SECOND SIGNATURE
Three days later, Thomas returned to his office.
The board meeting was waiting.
So was another surprise.
Richard had signed documents before his arrest.
Those documents revealed that the Vance company had been used as collateral for loans Thomas never authorized.
If the loans came due, Thomas would lose everything.
His company.
His properties.
His family trust.
Even the house where Genevieve and Toby lived.
Thomas sat alone with the paperwork.
Evelyn entered.
“You look terrible.”
“So do you.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
Thomas pushed a document toward her.
“I found another signature.”
She read it.
Then froze.
“This isn't yours.”
“I know.”
“It is your wife's.”
Thomas nodded.
“From six years ago.”
Evelyn looked up.
“What did she sign?”
“A transfer.”
“To whom?”
Thomas pointed.
Evelyn read the name.
Her face changed.
“Sarah.”
Thomas nodded.
“Why would my wife transfer shares to my sister?”
“I don't know.”
They found Sarah that evening.
She looked at the document.
Then sat down.
“I thought this day would come.”
Thomas stared.
“Come?”
Sarah nodded.
“Your wife transferred the shares to me because she knew someone would try to seize them.”
“Why didn't she tell me?”
“She wanted to protect you.”
“Everyone keeps saying that.”
Thomas's voice cracked.
“I don't want protection anymore.”
Sarah looked at him.
“She also left you a letter.”
Thomas went still.
“Where?”
Sarah reached into a locked box.
Inside was an envelope.
Thomas recognized his wife's handwriting.
His hands shook as he opened it.
Thomas,
If you're reading this, then something went wrong.
He swallowed.
I need you to know one thing. I never stopped loving you.
Thomas closed his eyes.
Tears came.
He continued.
But I discovered something about our family that frightened me. Someone close to you has been using your trust against you. I don't know how far it goes.
The letter continued.
If I die, don't trust anyone simply because they share your blood.
Thomas stared at Sarah.
She began crying.
“I tried.”
“I know.”
The letter had one final paragraph.
And Thomas, if Evelyn is still beside you when you read this, listen to her. She knows more than she will ever admit.
Thomas looked toward Evelyn.
She was crying.
“I promised your wife I would protect you.”
Thomas folded the letter.
“You kept your promise.”
Evelyn shook her head.
“Not completely.”
“What do you mean?”
She hesitated.
Then said:
“There is one person we haven't found.”
“Who?”
“Martin.”
Thomas looked toward the window.
Martin had disappeared.
And suddenly, he understood.
The entire operation had been too carefully planned.
Richard had been caught.
May you like
But Martin had escaped.
Which meant the most dangerous person might still be free.
