Chapter 8 - The Patent Notebook
The notebook was worth more as evidence than money.
Dad explained why.
The original patent had been challenged twice.
The notebook contained dated sketches, engineering notes, and signatures proving invention history.
Copies existed.
“Against what?” I asked.
Dad looked at the Martinez folder.
Rebecca answered.
“Against Easton’s ownership chain.”
If the notebook disappeared, old claims could be revived.
Not necessarily won.
But litigated.
Delayed.
Weaponized.
George’s company was desperate for Lakeview.
A lawsuit against Easton could freeze the award.
Fiona called me.
“I need to see you.”
“No.”
“Blake, please.”
I almost hung up.
Then she said:
“I found something in Dad’s office.”
We met in a hotel conference room with Rebecca present.
Fiona looked destroyed.
Not glamorous.
Not bridal.
Human.
“My father has been paying someone named Daniel Cross for six months.”
Rebecca froze.
“Who is Daniel Cross?”
Dad answered.
“Former?”
“He was fired twenty years ago for falsifying test data.”
Fiona looked at Dad.
“My father met him three times this month.”
Invoices.
Consulting fees.
Travel.
A payment made two days before the wedding.
Memo:
Archive recovery.
I stared at Fiona.
“You knew nothing?”
“No.”
“You laughed at my father.”
Her eyes filled.
“I know.”
“That is separate.”
“I know.”
Good.
At least she stopped merging regret with defense.
From George to Daniel Cross:
If Henderson brings originals, take only the notebook. No confrontation.
Dad’s face went cold.
Fiona covered her mouth.
“He planned this.”
Rebecca nodded.
“Looks like it.”
Then Dad said:
“Not alone.”
We all looked at him.
He pointed to another email address copied on the thread.
Fiona stared.
May you like
It belonged to Vivian.
Her mother.
