Chapter 6 - The Recordings
Maya sat in Grace's office with her knees pulled to her chest. When Richard showed her the recorder, she looked ashamed.
“I didn't know what else to do,” she said. “Victoria says I'm making things up. I thought maybe if I had proof, you'd believe me.”
Richard felt the words cut deeper than any accusation. A nine-year-old had started collecting evidence because she no longer trusted the adults around her to tell the truth.
“May I listen?” he asked.
Maya nodded. “Please don't get mad at me.”
The first files held ordinary sounds: a door closing, footsteps, Maya crying quietly in bed. Then came Victoria's voice, sharp and close. “Stop saying your mother's name. It makes your father weak.”
Maya answered, “I miss her.”
“Then learn to miss her quietly.”
Another recording captured a door locking. Maya asked to come out. Victoria told her she could leave when she stopped being dramatic. Richard paused the file and put a hand over his mouth.
“There is one more,” Maya said. “From yesterday.”
Peter's voice came through the speaker. “The trust amendment is ready. If Richard signs the temporary guardianship form, Victoria can handle distributions while he takes a leave. Once she's co-manager, we can cover the Northstar payments through the foundation's emergency program.”
Victoria asked, “And the girl?”
“Send her to the residential grief school. They'll call it treatment. Nobody questions a father who says he can't manage a traumatized child.”
Richard felt the room tilt. Then Maya's voice came, small and frightened: “I don't want to go away.”
He pulled her into his arms. This time, she didn't cling desperately. She simply rested her head against his chest.
“Did they tell you this was happening?” he asked.
“Victoria said you'd already agreed. She said you were tired of me.”
Maya pulled out a tablet and showed him a photograph of a temporary guardianship agreement. Richard's signature sat at the bottom.
May you like
He knew immediately that it was a forgery.
Someone had tried to sign away his daughter's future using his name.
