Chapter 9: The Woman Who Planned It All
Tasha arrived at Rebecca's office the following morning carrying a thick manila envelope.
She looked as though she hadn't slept.
Her braids were pulled: The Woman Who Planned It All
Tasha arrived at Rebecca's office the following morning carrying a thick manila envelope.
She looked as though she hadn't slept.
Her braids were pulled into a loose knot, and she wore a dark coat despite the warm weather. When she entered the conference room, she checked the hallway behind into a loose knot, and she wore a dark coat despite the warm weather. When she entered the conference room, she checked the hallway behind her before closing the door.
“Is Marcus here?”” she asked.
“No,” I replied.
“Good.””
Rebecca motioned toward her before closing the door.
“Is Marcus here?”” she asked.
“No,” I replied.
“Good.””
Rebecca motioned toward the chair opposite mine.
“Please sit down. Before we review anything, I need to explain that I'm representing Denise. I can document what you provide, but I'm not your attorney.””
Tasha nodded.
“I understand.””
She the chair opposite mine.
“Please sit down. Before we review anything, I need to explain that I'm representing Denise. I can document what you provide, but I'm not your attorney.””
Tasha nodded.
“I understand.””
She placed the envelope on the table.
“I took these from my mother's filing cabinet. I didn't know what they meant until I saw the photograph placed the envelope on the table.
“I took these from my mother's filing cabinet. I didn't know what they meant until I saw the photograph Denise sent me.””
I frowned.
“I didn't send you a photograph.””
Tasha blinked.
Then she looked at her phone.
“Oh. I meant the one I sent you.””
Denise sent me.””
I frowned.
“I didn't send you a photograph.””
Tasha blinked.
Then she looked at her phone.
“Oh. I meant the one I sent you.””
She opened the envelope.
Inside were copies of estate correspondence, old bank statements, and a handwritten letter addressed to Eleanor. Several pages contained references to my father's beneficial interest inShe opened the envelope.
Inside were copies of estate correspondence, old bank statements, and a handwritten letter addressed to Eleanor. Several pages contained references to my father's beneficial interest in the redevelopment project.
Rebecca examined the documents one at a time.
“Where did you find these?””
“In the locked drawer in Mom's bedroom. She keeps the key on her bedside table the redevelopment project.
Rebecca examined the documents one at a time.
“Where did you find these?””
“In the locked drawer in Mom's bedroom. She keeps the key on her bedside table.””
“Did you take the originals?””
“Only copies. The originals were already in the envelope.””
Rebecca looked up.
“Did your mother know you were taking them?””
“No.””
Tasha's hands.””
“Did you take the originals?””
“Only copies. The originals were already in the envelope.””
Rebecca looked up.
“Did your mother know you were taking them?””
“No.””
Tasha's hands trembled.
“I need to tell you something else.””
I leaned forward.
“Go ahead.””
“Mom didn't just trembled.
“I need to tell you something else.””
I leaned forward.
“Go ahead.””
“Mom didn't just know about the original agreement. She was the person who told Marcus to use your signature.””
The room became silent.
I stared at her.
“How do you know that?””
Tasha took a shaky breath.
“Six know about the original agreement. She was the person who told Marcus to use your signature.””
The room became silent.
I stared at her.
“How do you know that?””
Tasha took a shaky breath.
“Six months ago, I went to Mom's house to help her organize some financial paperwork. Marcus was there. They were arguing in the kitchen.””
“What did you hear?””
“Mom said that if you ever months ago, I went to Mom's house to help her organize some financial paperwork. Marcus was there. They were arguing in the kitchen.””
“What did you hear?””
“Mom said that if you ever discovered the transfers, the entire family would be finished. Marcus told her he could explain the transactions, but he couldn't discovered the transfers, the entire family would be finished. Marcus told her he could explain the transactions, but he couldn't make the signatures look legitimate if anyone examined them closely.””
My stomach tightened.
“And what did your mother say?””
Tasha looked down.
“She told him that the signature file was already on make the signatures look legitimate if anyone examined them closely.””
My stomach tightened.
“And what did your mother say?””
Tasha looked down.
“She told him that the signature file was already on the computer and that you had signed enough documents over the years that nobody would question it.””
I closed my eyes.
The scanned signature.
The mortgage paperwork.
The trust I had placed in the computer and that you had signed enough documents over the years that nobody would question it.””
I closed my eyes.
The scanned signature.
The mortgage paperwork.
The trust I had placed in Marcus when I thought we were simply managing a household together.
“Did you hear them discuss the amount of money?””
“Yes. Mom said the initial transfer was supposed Marcus when I thought we were simply managing a household together.
“Did you hear them discuss the amount of money?””
“Yes. Mom said the initial transfer was supposed to be temporary. Marcus said Daniel had promised the funds would be returned.””
“Did your mother know the later transfers were unauthorized?””
Tasha nodded.
“She knew about the second one to be temporary. Marcus said Daniel had promised the funds would be returned.””
“Did your mother know the later transfers were unauthorized?””
Tasha nodded.
“She knew about the second one. I'm not certain she knew about the third until it happened.””
Rebecca made a note.
“Why didn't you come forward earlier?””
Tasha's face crumpled.
“Because I was afraid.””
“Of whom. I'm not certain she knew about the third until it happened.””
Rebecca made a note.
“Why didn't you come forward earlier?””
Tasha's face crumpled.
“Because I was afraid.””
“Of whom?””
“Marcus. Mom. Daniel. All of them.””
She wiped her eyes.
“And because I accepted the money.””
The words came out in?””
“Marcus. Mom. Daniel. All of them.””
She wiped her eyes.
“And because I accepted the money.””
The words came out in a whisper.
I looked at her.
“You received the administrative fee for Northstar.””
“Yes.””
“Did you know where it came from?””
“Not at first. Marcus told me it was payment for helping organize the a whisper.
I looked at her.
“You received the administrative fee for Northstar.””
“Yes.””
“Did you know where it came from?””
“Not at first. Marcus told me it was payment for helping organize the company. I thought it was legitimate.””
“And later?””
Tasha covered her mouth.
“Later, I realized the numbers didn't make company. I thought it was legitimate.””
“And later?””
Tasha covered her mouth.
“Later, I realized the numbers didn't make sense. I asked Mom about it. She told me to stop asking questions because the money had already been spent sense.
I asked Mom about it. She told me to stop asking questions because the money had already been spent.””
“Spent on what?””
Tasha reached into the envelope and pulled out a bank statement.
“Her mortgage. Some.””
“Spent on what?””
Tasha reached into the envelope and pulled out a bank statement.
“Her mortgage. Some medical bills. And a payment to a law firm.””
Rebecca examined the page.
“Do you know what the legal payment was for?””
Tasha shook her head.
“No. But the medical bills. And a payment to a law firm.””
Rebecca examined the page.
“Do you know what the legal payment was for?””
Tasha shook her head.
“No. But the date matches the week my mother visited your father.””
I felt a cold pressure behind my ribs.
The woman who had brought me soup when I was sick, who had hugged me after my father's funeral, who had called me her daughter date matches the week my mother visited your father.””
I felt a cold pressure behind my ribs.
The woman who had brought me soup when I was sick, who had hugged me after my father's funeral, who had called me her daughter for eight years, had apparently been involved in a financial arrangement that depended on keeping me unaware of my own inheritance.
“Why are you telling me now?”” I asked.
Tasha looked at for eight years, had apparently been involved in a financial arrangement that depended on keeping me unaware of my own inheritance.
“Why are you telling me now?”” I asked.
Tasha looked at me through tear-filled eyes.
“Because Mom called me last night. She told me Marcus was planning to leave the country.””
Rebecca sat straighter.
“Did me through tear-filled eyes.
“Because Mom called me last night. She told me Marcus was planning to leave the country.””
Rebecca sat straighter.
“Did she say when?””
“Tomorrow morning. She said he had a business meeting overseas and that I shouldn't ask questions.””
I looked at Rebecca.
She immediately picked up her she say when?””
“Tomorrow morning. She said he had a business meeting overseas and that I shouldn't ask questions.””
I looked at Rebecca.
She immediately picked up her phone.
“I'm going to contact the appropriate authorities and ask that the information be documented. We won't assume that travel phone.
“I'm going to contact the appropriate authorities and ask that the information be documented. We won't assume that travel means flight, but given the circumstances, they need to know.””
Tasha nodded.
Then she reached into the envelope again.
means flight, but given the circumstances, they need to know.””
Tasha nodded.
Then she reached into the envelope again.
“There is something else.””
She placed a printed email on the table.
The sender was Eleanor.
“There is something else.””
She placed a printed email on the table.
The sender was Eleanor.
The recipient was Daniel.
The date was three weeks before my anniversary dinner.
The subject line read: *Denise and the Original Agreement.*
Rebecca read the message silently.
Then she passed it to me.
The email was short.
Eleanor had written that I hadThe recipient was Daniel.
The date was three weeks before my anniversary dinner.
The subject line read: *Denise and the Original Agreement.*
Rebecca read the message silently.
Then she passed it to me.
The email was short.
Eleanor had written that I had begun asking questions about Marcus's absences and that she was concerned I might discover the financial records.
She asked Daniel whether there was a way to resolve the matter before I became begun asking questions about Marcus's absences and that she was concerned I might discover the financial records.
She asked Daniel whether there was a way to resolve the matter before I became involved.
Daniel's reply was attached beneath hers.
**The only way to protect the project is to ensure Denise cannot claim the original interest. If Marcus can establish that she participated in the transfers, her position involved.
Daniel's reply was attached beneath hers.
*The only way to protect the project is to ensure Denise cannot claim the original interest. If Marcus can establish that she participated in the transfers, her position will be compromised.*
I read the sentence twice.
Then I looked at Tasha.
“Did my mother-in-law help them frame me?””
“I don't know,” she whispered.
“But I think that's what they were planning will be compromised.**
I read the sentence twice.
Then I looked at Tasha.
“Did my mother-in-law help them frame me?””
“I don't know,” she whispered.
“But I think that's what they were planning.””
Rebecca took the email.
“This is important, but we'll need to authenticate it and establish the full context. We should not assume the plan was carried out exactly.””
Rebecca took the email.
“This is important, but we'll need to authenticate it and establish the full context. We should not assume the plan was carried out exactly as written.””
I nodded.
I was learning that every answer came with another question.
At noon, Rebecca arranged a formal meeting with the financial review team and Mark's attorney. T as written.””
I nodded.
I was learning that every answer came with another question.
At noon, Rebecca arranged a formal meeting with the financial review team and Mark's attorney. Tasha agreed to provide a statement about what she had witnessed and to cooperate with the investigation.
I didn't ask her to forgive herself.
I didn't promise that our relationship would return to what itasha agreed to provide a statement about what she had witnessed and to cooperate with the investigation.
I didn't ask her to forgive herself.
I didn't promise that our relationship would return to what it had been.
I simply told her the truth.
“You need to tell them everything, even the parts that make you look bad.””
She nodded.
“I will had been.
I simply told her the truth.
“You need to tell them everything, even the parts that make you look bad.””
She nodded.
“I will.””
That afternoon, Mark called me.
“We've identified a discrepancy in the development account,” he said.
“The funds transferred through Northstar were not simply used to cover temporary expenses. Some were redirected to pay.””
That afternoon, Mark called me.
“We've identified a discrepancy in the development account,” he said.
“The funds transferred through Northstar were not simply used to cover temporary expenses. Some were redirected to pay obligations connected to Daniel's private investment company.””
“Can you prove it?””
“We have records showing the movement of funds. We're working with investigators to determine whether the transfers were knowingly obligations connected to Daniel's private investment company.””
“Can you prove it?””
“We have records showing the movement of funds. We're working with investigators to determine whether the transfers were knowingly unauthorized and who benefited.””
“Does Daniel know?””
“We believe he knows the review is progressing.””
I looked at the email on unauthorized and who benefited.””
“Does Daniel know?””
“We believe he knows the review is progressing.””
I looked at the email on Rebecca's desk.
“Then you should know that Eleanor and Daniel were discussing how to prevent me from claiming my father's interest.””
Mark was silent.
I explained Rebecca's desk.
“Then you should know that Eleanor and Daniel were discussing how to prevent me from claiming my father's interest.””
Mark was silent.
I explained what Tasha had brought us.
When I finished, he exhaled slowly.
“This changes the picture.””
“Does it change anything about your what Tasha had brought us.
When I finished, he exhaled slowly.
“This changes the picture.””
“Does it change anything about your own investment in the competing development company?””
Another silence followed.
Then Mark said own investment in the competing development company?””
Another silence followed.
Then Mark said, “I'm glad you asked.””
He explained that his separate investment had been disclosed in the original project documents, but he agreed that the potential conflict needed independent review.
“I don't want you, “I'm glad you asked.””
He explained that his separate investment had been disclosed in the original project documents, but he agreed that the potential conflict needed independent review.
“I don't want you relying on my word alone,” he said.
“I'll provide the records to the review team.””
For the first time, I respected him more for admitting what might make him look bad.
I didn't trust relying on my word alone,” he said.
“I'll provide the records to the review team.””
For the first time, I respected him more for admitting what might make him look bad.
I didn't trust him completely.
But he was beginning to understand something Marcus never had.
Transparency wasn't a weakness.
It was the only way forward.
At 6:15 p.m., Rebecca him completely.
But he was beginning to understand something Marcus never had.
Transparency wasn't a weakness.
It was the only way forward.
At 6:15 p.m., Rebecca received a call from an investigator assigned to the financial case.
She listened, asked several questions, and then turned toward me.
“They've located a payment instruction connected to the third transfer.””
“ received a call from an investigator assigned to the financial case.
She listened, asked several questions, and then turned toward me.
“They've located a payment instruction connected to the third transfer.””
“Whose instruction?””
“Marcus's.””
My stomach tightened.
“Does it show he knowingly used my signature?””
“Not by itself. But the instruction includes an internal message that may help establish whatWhose instruction?””
“Marcus's.””
My stomach tightened.
“Does it show he knowingly used my signature?””
“Not by itself. But the instruction includes an internal message that may help establish what he knew.””
She read the message aloud.
*Use Denise's file again. She won't see the paperwork until the project closes.*
I sat motion he knew.””
She read the message aloud.
*Use Denise's file again. She won't see the paperwork until the project closes.*
I sat motionless.
The message had been sent two weeks earlier.
The same week Marcus had kissed me goodbye before leaving for his supposed business meeting.
The same week he had told me he was working late to secureless.
The message had been sent two weeks earlier.
The same week Marcus had kissed me goodbye before leaving for his supposed business meeting.
The same week he had told me he was working late to secure our future.
I felt the last of my uncertainty begin to disappear.
He had known.
He had known our future.
I felt the last of my uncertainty begin to disappear.
He had known.
He had known that the authorization was mine to give, and he had known I had not given it.
I looked at Rebecca.
“What happens now?””
“We preserve the evidence and that the authorization was mine to give, and he had known I had not given it.
I looked at Rebecca.
“What happens now?””
“We preserve the evidence and let the investigators determine the next steps. You should not contact Marcus about this message.””
I nodded.
Then my phone rang.
Marcus.
I stared at the screen until the call ended.
A let the investigators determine the next steps. You should not contact Marcus about this message.””
I nodded.
Then my phone rang.
Marcus.
I stared at the screen until the call ended.
A message arrived seconds later.
*We need to talk tonight. Alone. I can explain everything.*
I showed Rebecca.
“Don't agree message arrived seconds later.
*We need to talk tonight. Alone. I can explain everything.*
I showed Rebecca.
“Don't agree to meet privately,” she said.
“If communication is necessary, keep it documented and follow your attorney's advice.””
I typed a brief to meet privately,” she said.
“If communication is necessary, keep it documented and follow your attorney's advice.””
I typed a brief response.
*Any discussion about the transfers can take place through our attorneys.*
His reply arrived almost immediately.
*You don't understand what Mom has done.*
I read it twice.
Then another message appeared.
**She was the one who arranged response.
*Any discussion about the transfers can take place through our attorneys.*
His reply arrived almost immediately.
*You don't understand what Mom has done.*
I read it twice.
Then another message appeared.
*She was the one who arranged everything. She told me to use your signature. She told Daniel you had agreed to invest. She said you would never find out.*
My hands tightened around the phone.
Marcus was everything. She told me to use your signature. She told Daniel you had agreed to invest. She said you would never find out.**
My hands tightened around the phone.
Marcus was trying to shift the blame.
But this time, he had given me something useful: a written statement that could be preserved and examined.
I forwarded the messages to Rebecca.
Then I typed nothing more.
trying to shift the blame.
But this time, he had given me something useful: a written statement that could be preserved and examined.
I forwarded the messages to Rebecca.
Then I typed nothing more.
At 8:02 p.m., Tasha called.
Her voice was shaking.
“Denise, Mom is here.””
“Where?””
“At my apartment. SheAt 8:02 p.m., Tasha called.
Her voice was shaking.
“Denise, Mom is here.””
“Where?””
“At my apartment. She found out I gave you the documents.””
“What is she doing?””
“She wants me to take back my statement. She says she'll tell found out I gave you the documents.””
“What is she doing?””
“She wants me to take back my statement. She says she'll tell everyone I stole money from Northstar and fabricated the paperwork.””
I stood.
“Are you safe?””
“Yes. I locked the door.””
“ everyone I stole money from Northstar and fabricated the paperwork.””
I stood.
“Are you safe?””
“Yes. I locked the door.””
“Don't open it. Call your attorney and the police if she threatens you or tries to force her way inside.””
Tasha began crying.
“She says I'm destroying the family.””
I closedDon't open it. Call your attorney and the police if she threatens you or tries to force her way inside.””
Tasha began crying.
“She says I'm destroying the family.””
I closed my eyes.
“Tell her the truth didn't destroy this family. The lies did.””
There was a muffled sound on the other end.
Then Eleanor's voice came through.
“Denise! I know you're my eyes.
“Tell her the truth didn't destroy this family. The lies did.””
There was a muffled sound on the other end.
Then Eleanor's voice came through.
“Denise! I know you're listening!””
I froze.
“You have no idea what you're doing,” Eleanor shouted.
“Your father would be ashamed of you!””
My listening!””
I froze.
“You have no idea what you're doing,” Eleanor shouted.
“Your father would be ashamed of you!””
My grip tightened around the phone.
“Don't use my father to frighten me.””
“He was going to ruin everyone! He was going to take grip tightened around the phone.
“Don't use my father to frighten me.””
“He was going to ruin everyone! He was going to take money from people who had done nothing wrong!””
“Then why did you try to remove my name from his agreement?””
Silence.
For several seconds, I heard only breathing.
money from people who had done nothing wrong!””
“Then why did you try to remove my name from his agreement?””
Silence.
For several seconds, I heard only breathing.
Then Eleanor spoke in a different voice.
A quieter one.
“Because I knew what Daniel would do if you inherited it.””
“Why?””
“Because your father left something out of the agreement.””
My heart beganThen Eleanor spoke in a different voice.
A quieter one.
“Because I knew what Daniel would do if you inherited it.””
“Why?””
“Because your father left something out of the agreement.””
My heart began to pound.
“What did he leave out?””
Eleanor's voice cracked.
“The agreement wasn't just about money. It contained a provision that gave to pound.
“What did he leave out?””
Eleanor's voice cracked.
“The agreement wasn't just about money. It contained a provision that gave you the right to demand the original project records, including the records Daniel had been keeping separate from the company accounts.””
I stared at Rebecca.
She was already listening, her expression intent.
“Why would that you the right to demand the original project records, including the records Daniel had been keeping separate from the company accounts.””
I stared at Rebecca.
She was already listening, her expression intent.
“Why would that matter?”” I asked.
“Because those records would show where the money really went.””
“Then why matter?”” I asked.
“Because those records would show where the money really went.””
“Then why not tell me?””
“Because Marcus had already used your name. Because Daniel was threatening to expose the transfers. Because I thought I could fix everything before you found out.””
“You not tell me?””
“Because Marcus had already used your name. Because Daniel was threatening to expose the transfers. Because I thought I could fix everything before you found out.””
“You tried to make me responsible for the money.””
“I was trying to save my son!””
“And you were willing tried to make me responsible for the money.””
“I was trying to save my son!””
“And you were willing to sacrifice me to do it.””
Eleanor began to cry.
“I didn't think it would go this far.””
I looked at the documents scattered across Rebecca's desk.
The unauthorized transfers.
The fabricated investment.
The plan to discredit me.
The woman to sacrifice me to do it.””
Eleanor began to cry.
“I didn't think it would go this far.””
I looked at the documents scattered across Rebecca's desk.
The unauthorized transfers.
The fabricated investment.
The plan to discredit me.
The woman who had spent years calling me family had known that my name was being used as a shield.
I no longer needed her to admit anything else.
“Eleanor,” I said, “you need to speak to your own attorney who had spent years calling me family had known that my name was being used as a shield.
I no longer needed her to admit anything else.
“Eleanor,” I said, “you need to speak to your own attorney.””
“Denise, please—”
I ended the call.
For a long moment, I sat without moving.
Then Rebecca placed a hand on the table.
“You.””
“Denise, please—”
I ended the call.
For a long moment, I sat without moving.
Then Rebecca placed a hand on the table.
“You've done the right thing by preserving these communications. We'll provide them to the investigators and let them determine their significance.””
I nodded.
Outside the've done the right thing by preserving these communications. We'll provide them to the investigators and let them determine their significance.””
I nodded.
Outside the office windows, the city lights had begun to glow.
I thought about my father, about the unfinished work he had left behind, and about the woman I had been when I entered that anniversary office windows, the city lights had begun to glow.
I thought about my father, about the unfinished work he had left behind, and about the woman I had been when I entered that anniversary dinner wearing a blue dress and hoping my husband might still love me.
I had wanted an explanation.
I had wanted an apology.
Instead, dinner wearing a blue dress and hoping my husband might still love me.
I had wanted an explanation.
I had wanted an apology.
Instead, I had discovered that the people closest to me had been building a story in which I would carry the blame for their decisions.
Now that story was falling apart.
At 9:17 p.m., an I had discovered that the people closest to me had been building a story in which I would carry the blame for their decisions.
Now that story was falling apart.
At 9:17 p.m., an investigator called Rebecca with an urgent update.
Daniel's attorneys had requested a meeting.
Marcus had agreed to cooperate.
And Eleanor had contacted the authorities herself.
I looked investigator called Rebecca with an urgent update.
Daniel's attorneys had requested a meeting.
Marcus had agreed to cooperate.
And Eleanor had contacted the authorities herself.
I looked at Rebecca.
“Why would she do that now?””
Rebecca considered the question.
“Perhaps she wants to tell the truth. Perhaps she's trying to protect herself. We won't know until she speaks.””
I understood.
For once, I wasn't at Rebecca.
“Why would she do that now?””
Rebecca considered the question.
“Perhaps she wants to tell the truth. Perhaps she's trying to protect herself. We won't know until she speaks.””
I understood.
For once, I wasn't going to decide what someone meant based on what I hoped was true.
I would wait for the evidence.
Then my phone vibrated again.
A message from Marcus appeared.
**I'm going to tell them everything tomorrow. But before I do, you need to know what going to decide what someone meant based on what I hoped was true.
I would wait for the evidence.
Then my phone vibrated again.
A message from Marcus appeared.
*I'm going to tell them everything tomorrow. But before I do, you need to know what Mom did after your father died.*
A second message followed.
*She didn't just hide his documents. She changed the beneficiary paperwork.*
I stared at the screen.
Then the final message arrived.
*And if the investigators find Mom did after your father died.*
A second message followed.
*She didn't just hide his documents. She changed the beneficiary paperwork.*
I stared at the screen.
Then the final message arrived.
*And if the investigators find the original amendment, they'll discover that someone forged your father's signature, too.*
I felt the room go cold.
Because the financial fraud was no longer the only crime the original amendment, they'll discover that someone forged your father's signature, too.**
I felt the room go cold.
Because the financial fraud was no longer the only crime connected to my father's estate.
Someone had altered his final wishes.
And if Marcus was telling the truth, the person who had done it had spent seven years pretending to mourn him alongside me.
connected to my father's estate.
Someone had altered his final wishes.
May you like
And if Marcus was telling the truth, the person who had done it had spent seven years pretending to mourn him alongside me.
Tomorrow, I would finally learn whose signature had been forged—and why the truth had been worth so much to keepTomorrow, I would finally learn whose signature had been forged—and why the truth had been worth so much to keep buried. buried.
