Chapter 8 - Daniel Mercer, Debtor
By midnight, Daniel had learned he owed money to people he had never met.
A credit card in his name carried a $34,000 balance. A personal loan for $58,000 had been opened online. Two business credit lines had been guaranteed with his Social Security number.
His signature appeared on every application.
Not his real signature.
A copy.
"She had access to everything," he told Ortiz. "Tax returns. Passwords. My office files."
"Did you ever authorize her to apply for credit?"
"Never."
The bank investigator slid a transaction history toward him.
Payments from the family trust had gone into North Star Residential, then out to an account belonging to a company called Rook Capital Recovery.
"What is Rook?" Daniel asked.
Ortiz had already searched it.
"A debt collection company that handles private gambling markers."
Daniel stared at her.
"Gambling? Olivia hates casinos."
Ortiz raised an eyebrow. "Apparently not enough."
The money trail was ugly. Online sports betting. Private card rooms. Cash advances. One payment for $71,000.
His phone rang.
Rachel.
"Daniel, get to the hospital now."
He stood. "What happened?"
"Mom opened her eyes."
He was already moving.
When he reached Margaret's room, she looked impossibly small beneath the blankets.
Her eyes found him.
"Mom?"
Her lips moved, but no sound came.
Daniel took her hand. "You're safe. Olivia can't touch you."
Margaret's fingers tightened.
Then her eyes darted toward the door.
Fear.
"She's not here," Daniel said. "You're safe."
Margaret shook her head.
With enormous effort, she lifted one finger and drew letters against his palm.
B.
L.
U.
E.
"Blue?" Daniel whispered.
She nodded.
Then she formed one more word.
B-O-X.
Rachel frowned. "What blue box?"
Margaret's heart monitor began to race.
She forced out one broken whisper.
"Garage."
May you like
Daniel's phone buzzed.
Home security alert: GARAGE DOOR OPEN.
