Chapter 4 - THE PRIVATE VAULT
Adrian's study had a hidden fireproof cabinet behind a wall panel.
Only three people were supposed to know it existed.
Adrian.
His attorney, James Lowell.
And Claire, before she died.
The silver key fit.
Inside, two folders were missing.
One contained the children's trust documents.
The other contained Adrian's medical power-of-attorney papers.
His stomach dropped.
"Marcus. Check access logs."
The cabinet itself had no electronics, but the study camera did.
Vanessa had entered eleven times in one month.
On one recording, she photographed documents with her phone.
On another, she carried the trust folder away.
Torres watched over Adrian's shoulder.
"What does the trust control?"
"Claire left company shares to the kids. Forty-one percent combined when they turn twenty-five. Until then, I vote them as guardian."
"And if something happens to you?"
Adrian looked at her.
"The alternate guardian is my sister."
"Not Vanessa?"
"No."
That answer mattered.
Upstairs, Vanessa demanded her lawyer.
Adrian ignored her and called Lowell.
The attorney arrived carrying a leather briefcase and a face full of concern.
"I heard police are here."
Adrian showed him the footage.
Lowell went quiet.
Then Adrian showed him the missing folders.
"Can Vanessa do anything with copies?"
Lowell hesitated.
Too long.
Adrian noticed.
"James."
"There was a draft amendment."
"What amendment?"
Lowell looked toward the door.
"Vanessa approached me six weeks ago. She said you wanted to update guardianship if you became medically incapacitated."
Adrian stared.
"I never said that."
Lowell's face drained.
"She had an email from your account."
"Forged."
"And a physician's letter."
"What letter?"
Lowell opened his briefcase.
He pulled out a copy.
The document claimed Adrian had shown signs of cognitive impairment and impulsive behavior.
At the bottom was the signature of the family physician.
Adrian read the final line.
Recommendation: spouse should be granted emergency financial authority.
He looked at Vanessa through the open doorway.
She was no longer crying.
May you like
She was watching him.
And smiling.
