Chapter 11 - The Brother Who Helped
Michael listened to the tape in the car.
Diane’s younger voice filled the speakers.
Stephen wants five percent more. Give it to him. If Richard learns the shares were pledged, we lose everything.
Jonathan answered, “You’re stealing from your husband.”
“I’m protecting my future.”
“You’re buying votes with company money.”
“I’m buying certainty.”
The tape clicked.
Then Diane said something that turned Michael’s hands cold.
“If Richard ever removes me, Stephen takes the fall.”
Stephen Bennett had spent thirty years appearing loyal to Richard while taking money from Diane.
Later, according to Richard’s letters, Stephen had tried to undo the damage.
That explained the safe-deposit box.
It also explained his death.
Officially, Stephen had suffered a heart attack at sixty-one.
Morales requested the file.
There had been no autopsy.
Michael returned to Chicago furious.
Emma met him at the secure apartment Rachel had arranged.
She listened without interrupting.
When he finished, she said, “Diane doesn’t just destroy people who oppose her.”
“No.”
“She makes them look guilty first.”
Michael nodded.
His phone buzzed.
A message from Caleb.
WE NEED TO TALK. NOT AT THE OFFICE.
They met in the kitchen of Rachel’s building with Morales listening from the next room.
Caleb looked exhausted.
“I found something in my father’s things.”
“Stephen’s?”
Caleb nodded.
He placed a key on the table.
“A storage unit.”
“What’s inside?”
“I haven’t opened it.”
“Why not?”
“My father left a note with it.”
Caleb handed Michael a folded page.
If Diane knows you have this, do not go home.
Emma read it twice.
Michael looked at Caleb. “When did you find it?”
“After the board meeting.”
“And you waited?”
“I was scared.”
“Of her?”
Caleb laughed without humor. “You should be too.”
Morales entered. “We’ll open it with a warrant.”
Two hours later, police cut the lock.
Inside were banker’s boxes, old ledgers, and a locked metal case.
The case contained photographs.
Emma picked one up.
It showed Diane standing beside a car outside a private medical clinic.
The date on the back was the day before Stephen died.
The next photograph showed the driver.
May you like
Michael recognized him immediately.
It was the same man who had driven the SUV at Owen in the parking garage.
