Chapter 6 - The Bank
Valentina called the bank herself.
The trust officer sounded nervous.
“We stopped the transfer because the destination account triggered an internal review.”
“Destination?”
“Caldwell Heritage Capital.”
Valentina closed her eyes.
“Who initiated it?”
“There was an authorization request bearing your electronic signature.”
“I didn’t authorize anything.”
Nathan moved toward the desk. “Put it on speaker.”
Valentina ignored him.
“What device?”
The officer gave her the last four digits of the registered phone.
She knew them.
Nathan’s phone.
He went pale before she even turned around.
“No,” he said. “My phone was missing for two hours last night.”
“Convenient.”
“I’m serious.”
“Who had it?”
Nathan hesitated.
Valentina already knew.
“Your mother.”
“She said she needed it to call the florist because hers was dead.”
Marco muttered something under his breath.
The trust officer continued. “Mrs. Reyes, whoever did this also submitted a temporary guardianship petition.”
Valentina’s blood went cold.
“For Elliot?”
“Yes.”
“On what grounds?”
A pause.
“Alleged parental instability.”
Nathan gripped the desk.
“What?”
The officer said, “The filing states that Mrs. Reyes has displayed erratic behavior, financial recklessness, and episodes of aggression.”
Valentina thought of the ballroom. Of Gloria slapping Elliot, then waiting for Valentina to explode.
It had not only been cruelty.
It had been bait.
Rachel’s voice sharpened through the laptop. “Do not leave the property alone. Do not let Elliot out of your sight.”
Valentina looked toward the door.
“Where is he?”
Marco answered immediately. “East sitting room.”
Then his radio crackled.
May you like
A guard’s voice came through, breathless.
“Marco, the boy’s gone.”
