Chapter 18 - Seven Minutes
Leah was already on the phone with the title company as Ricardo helped Arturo into the car. She sent the court papers, the recorded restriction, and notice of the disputed signatures to everyone handling the transaction. An emergency hold was requested; whether it would arrive in time was another question.
At eight fifty-six, the closing agent confirmed receiving her objection. At eight fifty-eight, the buyer's attorney claimed the transaction could proceed because Brendan had independent company authority.
"He doesn't own Dad's building," Ricardo said.
"He may have authority over a shell company," Leah answered. "That is not authority over Arturo. They're trying to make a bad document look clean by passing it through another one."
Arturo leaned forward. "Tell them I never sold it. I'll tell them myself."
Leah put him on speaker. He repeated his refusal slowly and clearly. She warned the parties that title and signature authenticity were disputed and that legal action was underway.
At nine-oh-two, the closing agent confirmed the transaction would not proceed pending review.
Ricardo closed his eyes. It wasn't a final victory, but the doors were no longer swinging shut around his father.
Outside the courthouse, a detective approached. Vale's driver had admitted taking the school photograph on instruction. Investigators were examining the fire and the financial records. Brendan, through his lawyer, had agreed to provide original accounting files.
"What about Celeste?" Ricardo asked.
"We are following the evidence," the detective said.
Across the parking lot, Celeste stood alone beside the car Ricardo had bought her for their tenth anniversary. For the first time she seemed uncertain where to go.
Arturo watched her and whispered, "I never wanted to see her ruined."
May you like
Ricardo answered, "Neither did I. But I won't let her ruin you."
Then he looked at the company payroll list on his phone. Stopping the sale had saved the building. It had not saved the forty-six jobs Brendan had put at risk.
