Chapter 4 - A SIGNATURE THAT WASN'T HIS
Arthur called Malcolm from the hospital parking garage.
“Change every code. Don't let anyone inside until I get there.”
“I already disconnected the network,” Malcolm replied. “But Mr. Sterling, something's missing.”
“What?”
“Your grandmother's blue archive box.”
Arthur found the house bright with police lights. Officer Moreno had returned after Malcolm discovered the study window forced open. The intruder had bypassed the cameras and left muddy prints beside the desk.
In the study, Arthur feared what else had been hidden.
On the wall hung a faded photograph of Victor and Roland Pike shaking hands at a groundbreaking ceremony. Behind them was a row of smiling investors. One woman held a small boy by the hand.
“Why keep this?” Arthur asked.
“Evelyn wouldn't throw it away,” Malcolm said. “She said the people in it were never to be forgotten.”
Moreno examined the computer. An email from Arthur's account had ordered the security company to grant Diana administrator access. It used his exact signature block, even his old habit of ending messages with “Regards, A.”
“Could she have used your laptop?” Moreno asked.
“She had the password,” Arthur admitted. “We were getting married.”
The officer's expression didn't soften. “Save the records. Let our digital team handle the account.”
In the wastebasket was a torn envelope from a local bank. Arthur flattened it. Written across the flap in Evelyn's hand were two words: Navarro. Thursday.
Leonard Price recognized the name. Maria Navarro had been one of Victor's investors, a school cafeteria worker whose savings disappeared. She had never signed a final settlement.
“Why was Grandmother going to see her?” Arthur asked.
Price looked uncomfortable. “Because a payment someone recorded as completed never reached her.”
That afternoon Diana was released pending further proceedings. She called Arthur from a blocked number.
“I know you hate me,” she said. “But if you visit Maria Navarro, ask her what your grandmother did to her son.”
May you like
The line went dead before Arthur could answer.
