Chapter 5 - The Office with No Lock
“These are hotel records,” Elena said. “I own the company that paid for them.”
Victoria placed a hand on the back of a chair and leaned forward. “You own a piece of paper. You do not know the first thing about running a hotel.”
“Then why are you afraid of my questions?”
One of the lawyers cleared his throat. “Miss Vale, the board has not yet completed its review of the transfer. We advise that you refrain from interfering with current management.”
Elena slid the recorded deed toward him. “The county completed its review at nine twelve this morning. The trust documents were filed six months ago. If you have a legal objection, put it in writing.”
Victoria noticed. “This is ridiculous. She can't just walk in and take over.”
“I'm not taking over,” Elena said. “I'm finding out what has been done in my name.”
Inside, the office smelled of cedar, dust, and the faint citrus polish her father had always preferred. His desk was bare. The shelves had been emptied. Even the framed photograph of Elena's mother had vanished.
PIER 19. 11:40.
“The archive room has been opened,” he said. “Someone's inside.”
“Then you won't mind if we look.”
Victoria's face hardened. “You don't understand what you're stepping into.” Elena slipped the note into her pocket. “I think I'm beginning to.”
May you like
From somewhere beyond the office came a sharp metallic bang, followed by the sound of a lock snapping shut. Then a voice called from the dark corridor.
“Miss Vale? If that's really you, don't come down here alone.”
