Chapter 15 - Friday
Friday arrived with federal agents at every entrance to the trust company.
Roman hated ceremonies, but the distribution meeting had to happen on schedule. If they canceled it, lawyers warned, the conspirators could argue the trust was unstable and force emergency control proceedings.
So Roman, Nora, and Sophie walked into the conference room together.
Helena watched by video from detention.
Marco’s attorneys filed objections.
Judge Pike had already been suspended.
Daniel waived any claim to voting control on behalf of Caleb.
At noon, the trustee placed the final amendment on the table.
“Sophie Calder remains beneficiary. Her parents retain full authority. No guardian transfer occurred.”
Nora squeezed Roman’s hand.
For the first time in three years, something stolen had been returned without a fight.
Then alarms sounded in the lobby.
Brooks ran to the door.
A security officer shouted, “Medical emergency!”
A man in paramedic clothing pushed a gurney through the hall.
Roman saw his face.
Dr. Kerr.
Kerr dropped the gurney and ran.
Roman followed with Brooks.
Kerr reached the parking garage and pulled a gun from a medical bag.
“Stop!” Brooks shouted.
Kerr grabbed a woman near an elevator and dragged her in front of him.
Roman froze.
Kerr’s eyes were wild. “You people think Helena ran this?”
Roman said, “Put the gun down.”
“She was weak. Marco was greedy. Daniel was angry. Pike was expensive.”
“Who were you?”
Kerr smiled.
“The one who kept everyone useful.”
Sirens filled the garage.
Kerr backed toward a car.
May you like
Then he said something Roman had not expected.
“Ask Nora why Sophie’s birth certificate was amended two days after she was born.”
