Chapter 8 - The Video
Peter survived.
The bullet passed through his shoulder and missed the artery by less than an inch.
At the hospital, police placed him under guard.
Mark watched the video in a private conference room with Ruiz, Daniel, and Elena.
The footage began upstairs.
Victoria stood beside the railing holding Clara.
Peter's voice came from behind the camera.
"Just tell her to come downstairs. We have enough."
Victoria whispered, "No. Elena has to look reckless."
Clara started crying.
"I want Daddy."
Victoria bounced her once.
"Daddy isn't here."
Then she looked directly toward the camera.
"When Elena runs, keep filming."
Peter said, "Victoria, what are you doing?"
She moved Clara over the railing.
The video shook.
Peter cursed.
Victoria opened her hands.
Elena covered her mouth.
Mark did not move.
The camera caught Elena running from below. It caught the catch. It caught Victoria staring down, calm for three full seconds before panic reached her face.
Then the footage continued.
Peter lowered the phone.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
Victoria's voice turned flat.
"She caught her."
"You could have killed her."
"I knew Elena was there."
"You didn't know she would make it."
Victoria stepped close to the camera.
"Delete it."
The recording ended.
Ruiz exhaled slowly.
"That's attempted homicide evidence."
Mark looked at the screen.
"Arrest her."
"We're getting the warrant now."
Elena noticed Daniel had gone pale.
"What?"
He looked at Mark.
"Peter said your mother knew."
Mark's mother, Margaret Mercer, lived in Palm Beach and had spent the last ten years pretending corporate problems were beneath her.
Mark called her.
She answered on the first ring.
"I wondered when you would call."
His hand tightened.
"What did you know about Victoria?"
Margaret sighed.
"Enough to tell you not to marry her."
"Did you know about the trust amendment?"
A pause.
"Yes."
Mark stood so fast the chair scraped backward.
"You knew she could control Clara's shares if Clara died?"
"Mark, listen to me."
"Answer me."
May you like
Margaret's voice became very quiet.
"That clause wasn't Victoria's idea."
