Chapter 14 - The Company That Was Stolen
Bennett Holdings had been built on a lie older than Daniel.
According to Evelyn, Robert's father had created the company with two partners. When he died, Robert produced a revised ownership agreement giving himself controlling interest.
"It was forged," Evelyn said.
Claire stared at her mother. "And you knew?"
"Not at first."
"When did you find out?"
"After Daniel was born."
Daniel's laugh was empty. "So you stayed with a man you knew stole a company, while secretly stealing from him with his business partner."
Evelyn's mouth tightened. "Life isn't as clean as you want it to be."
"No. But assault is pretty clear. Fraud is pretty clear. Lying to your children for decades is pretty clear."
She looked away.
I wasn't allowed near the raid.
For once, I was grateful.
He stared at his hands.
"If we get through tonight, I don't expect you to stay married to me."
I looked at him.
"That's a strange thing to say right now."
"It's the first honest thing I can give you. I loved you and still let my mother make you feel unsafe in your own family."
"Yes."
"I want to fix it."
"You may not be able to."
He nodded.
A burst of shouting came from the warehouse.
Then a gunshot.
Daniel stood.
Officers shouted for us to stay back.
Two minutes later, Robert emerged with his hands zip-tied in front of him. Blood ran from a cut on his forehead.
Behind him, police dragged out Victor Lane.
"You told me the documents were there!"
Evelyn shouted back, "They were!"
Ortiz opened a metal cabinet inside the warehouse office.
It was empty.
No original ownership agreement.
No forged copy.
Nothing.
Robert started laughing.
"You're all too late."
Ortiz faced him. "Where are the documents?"
He looked past her.
May you like
Straight at me.
"Emma already has them."
