Chapter 10 - THE SECOND TRAITOR
The authentication code had been generated Friday afternoon from Richard's executive suite.
Richard had been flying to the lodge.
Security logs showed his longtime assistant, Melissa Grant, entering the office for nineteen minutes before boarding a flight to Miami.
Dana's expression hardened. "The condo bought with Noah's money is in Miami."
Richard called Melissa.
No answer.
Federal agents were notified.
As deputies prepared to transport Mark to the station, he passed Noah on the stairs.
"Tell them Grandpa attacked me first," Mark said. "Tell them Claudia made you stand outside. If you tell the truth, we can go home."
Noah's face went white.
Richard started forward, but Maya raised a hand.
"Let him answer."
Noah gripped the railing.
"I am telling the truth."
Mark's smile vanished.
"Think carefully."
"I did. You put me outside. Claudia locked the door. You both watched me through the window."
Mark stared at him.
Noah's voice shook, but he kept going.
"Grandpa didn't take me away from you. You made me afraid to stay."
The deputy led Mark out.
An hour later, federal agents detained Melissa at Miami International Airport.
In her bag was an inventory from Sarah's safe-deposit box.
One item had never been found.
A sealed envelope marked:
RICHARD - READ ONLY IF MARK TRIES TO TAKE CONTROL.
May you like
Richard stared at the words.
Sarah had seen this coming six years earlier.
