Chapter 11 - Emma's Name on the Statement
The auditor called the following morning. I expected another question about the fake marketing company.
Instead she asked, "Mrs. Harrington, did you authorize a withdrawal from your daughter's custodial account?"
I stood up so fast my chair struck the counter.
Dad had opened that account when Emma was born. It held birthday gifts and savings intended for her future. Daniel was the registered custodian. We'd trusted him with that responsibility.
"No," I said. "How much?"
"Sixty-four thousand dollars over three transactions. The receiving business is associated with Harrington Commercial."
I stopped looking for explanations that made Daniel innocent.
"He took Emma's money?"
"The records indicate funds were diverted from an account intended for her benefit. Our attorneys are contacting the institution and investigators."
Dad came in when he heard my voice break. I told him.
He set down his keys and pulled up a chair. "I'm sorry I named him custodian. I thought it would show I trusted him."
"You didn't know. Neither did I."
"And we are going to correct what we can, the right way."
Bennett Capital had frozen new advances under its loan-review terms, while an outside manager kept payroll moving. Dad wasn't trying to punish eighty workers for his son-in-law's choices.
"They'll say you're doing it because Linda hit me," I said.
"They can say that. The records will show why every financial step was taken. This isn't revenge."
Emma wandered in holding her rabbit by one ear.
"Is Grandpa going to work today?"
"A little later," he said.
"Can you help me make a card for Daddy?"
The room went still. She loved him. My anger couldn't change that, and it shouldn't have to.
"Of course," I told her.
May you like
A message arrived from Margot before we began drawing.
DANIEL HAS REQUESTED A PRIVATE MEETING. HE SAYS THERE IS SOMETHING LINDA MADE HIM SIGN THAT YOU STILL HAVEN'T SEEN.
