Chapter 12 - The Recording
Gloria’s voice filled the library.
“If Valentina fights the transfer, Nathan takes the fall. His signatures are everywhere. He approved the loans. He moved the money. He’ll look like the architect.”
Serena’s recorded voice shook. “But he didn’t steal it.”
“That won’t matter.”
Valentina watched Nathan close his eyes.
On the recording, Gloria continued.
“And once he’s charged, Valentina will panic. She’ll sign whatever keeps him out of prison.”
The audio ended.
Nobody spoke.
Valentina looked at Nathan.
“You knew she could frame you.”
“I knew she was dangerous. I didn’t know this.”
Serena sat down, crying quietly.
“She said the transfer was temporary. Just enough to refinance everything.”
Valentina’s voice hardened. “And you believed her?”
“No. That’s why I recorded her.”
“Then why were you still getting married here?”
Serena looked ashamed.
“Because I was scared.”
Valentina understood fear. She did not excuse what fear made people hide.
The detective took Serena’s phone as evidence.
Then another officer entered.
“Detective, we have a problem.”
“What?”
“Gloria Caldwell is gone.”
Nathan spun around. “Gone how?”
“The guest-room window was open. One guard was found unconscious in the service corridor.”
Marco cursed.
Valentina immediately looked toward the stairs.
“Elliot.”
“He’s safe,” Marco said. “Two guards with him.”
Then the house alarm chirped once and died.
May you like
Every light in Blackthorn went out.
A second later, Elliot screamed from upstairs.
