Chapter 7 - THE SIGNATURE THAT WASN'T HIS
A forensic examiner confirmed the signature was digitally reproduced.
Not forged by hand.
Copied from a real document.
Adrian thought of every contract he had signed at home.
Every tablet Vanessa had carried into his office.
Every time he had trusted convenience.
Torres called from the mansion.
"We searched Vanessa's dressing room with consent from her attorney."
"And?"
"We found a portable scanner, blank notary certificates, and copies of your kids' birth certificates."
Adrian closed his eyes.
"Anything else?"
"A second phone."
That phone changed everything.
Messages between Vanessa and Owen discussed timing.
ADRIAN HAS TO BE OUT BEFORE QUARTER CLOSE.
THE BOY IS THE PROBLEM. HE WATCHES TOO MUCH.
USE THE CAGE AGAIN. HE'LL BREAK.
Adrian read that line three times.
He wanted to drive to Owen's house and drag him into the street.
Torres read his face.
"Don't."
"I didn't say anything."
"You didn't have to."
Police went for Owen.
His condo was empty.
Laptop gone.
Passport gone.
Car still in the garage.
Security footage showed him leaving in a black SUV registered to Mercer Capital.
Then Marcus called Adrian.
"Sir, Noah remembered something."
"What?"
"He says Owen hid a box in the old greenhouse."
Adrian returned home.
Noah led them through the garden.
The greenhouse had not been used since Claire died.
Behind a cracked planting bench, police found a waterproof case.
Inside were cash, passports, and a flash drive.
One passport carried Vanessa's photo under another name.
Another had Owen's.
The third was for a child.
LILY COLE.
Adrian felt his legs go weak.
Torres turned the passport over.
"This was issued six weeks ago."
Noah whispered, "Why does Lily have a different last name?"
Nobody answered.
Then Marcus pulled one more item from the case.
May you like
A one-way ticket to Buenos Aires.
Departure date: Friday.
