Chapter 14 - The Empty Account
Fifty-four million dollars in loan advances had moved out in smaller transfers before the court order reached the bank. Some deposits could be traced. Others disappeared into companies whose owners were hidden behind layers of paperwork.
"He knew we'd stop the sale," Adrian said.
"He prepared a way around it," Iris replied. "We're asking the banks to freeze what they can and preserve the rest."
Tessa stood by the conference-room window. At the curb, a family loaded boxes into a borrowed van. The Rowan House eviction notices had frightened people even after the pause. They were leaving because they no longer trusted their home would still be theirs next week.
"I grew up with that kind of fear," she told Adrian. "My mom kept cash in an envelope in case the landlord changed the locks. I don't want Willa to learn the world works that way."
"Neither do I."
For the first time all day, Adrian asked what Tessa wanted beyond clearing the documents.
"I want the people from Rowan House to have a choice," she answered. "And I want your mother to know she didn't cause what her husband did."
"What about us?"
She smiled sadly. "I wanted to marry you. I still love you. But I don't want to stand in a room full of roses pretending your father doesn't exist."
He nodded. "Then we won't pretend."
Across town, Ortiz's team found the route of one transfer. It led to an old storage company at the abandoned mill. The holding company had used Gideon's family seal.
Silas saw the address and began shaking.
"He moved the records there," he said. "The north loading gate is still standing."
"Are the books inside?" Ortiz asked.
"In a red steel cabinet. That's where we hid the ledger before the fire."
"Why didn't you tell us sooner?"
May you like
Silas looked at his cuffed hands. "Because the last man who went through that gate never came out."
A patrol officer called before Ortiz could answer. Smoke was rising from the old mill.
