Chapter 12 - AMELIA'S VOICE
On the drive were tax records, trust summaries, scanned letters, and one audio file dated nine days before Amelia's death.
Dante clicked play.
Amelia's voice filled the room.
If this recording is being heard, it's because I finally decided fear is information.
Amelia continued.
Vivian Cross has been asking questions about Lily's trust that have nothing to do with her assignment. Nathan says I'm overreacting. Grant says I'm exhausted. Maybe I am. But Vivian asked what happens if Lily is permanently disabled. Nobody asks that about a healthy two-year-old unless the answer matters to them.
Grant whispered, "Vivian Cross."
Vivian's maiden name.
Amelia's voice shook.
I found a transfer authorization prepared for my signature. It would have moved six million dollars into a discretionary family investment vehicle. I did not sign it. I told Nathan to investigate. He told me it was a clerical error.
Rebecca looked at Grant.
"He knew."
The recording continued.
If I die, Rebecca gets copies. If Rebecca is blocked, Dante Rourke's foundation office has my sealed letter. He may not remember me well, but he knows what predatory people look like.
Dante stared at the speaker.
Ellen whispered, "Your foundation office?"
Dante's stomach turned.
"We changed storage companies three years ago."
"Send a courier now."
Grant stared at him.
"What if it proves Nathan knew?"
Rebecca's answer came before Dante's.
"Then your lawyer didn't just help Vivian take Lily's money."
May you like
She looked toward the speaker, where Amelia's final sentence still seemed to hang in the air.
"He may have helped her get rid of Amelia first."
