Chapter 13 - The Man Who Managed the Trust
Thomas Vale had managed Sutton family money for twelve years.
He had helped Daniel open Sophie's trust account after Hannah died.
He knew its balance.
No answer.
Again.
Voicemail.
Laura looked through Brightwood's ledgers.
"There are transfers from three family trusts into companies Thomas administers."
Ortiz obtained a warrant.
Thomas's office was empty by the time police arrived.
Computers wiped.
Safe open.
Passport gone.
But one assistant stayed behind.
She was shaking.
"Mr. Vale told me to process an emergency transfer Friday."
"From Sophie's trust?" Laura asked.
"Yes."
"Did you?"
Her refusal to cooperate had saved millions without her understanding any of it.
The assistant continued.
"Mr. Vale was furious. He said Claire had one job."
Daniel's jaw tightened.
"Do you know where he went?"
"No. But he had a reservation printed in his office."
Private airfield.
Departure: 6:10 p.m.
Destination: Nassau.
Police moved.
At 5:42, Thomas was arrested on the runway.
Marcus was still missing.
Claire was missing too.
Daniel returned to Rebecca's house with Sophie under armed protection.
Sophie ate three slices of pizza.
Then she asked a question that broke him.
"Do I get dinner if I mess up?"
Daniel put down his plate.
"Yes."
"Even if I'm really bad?"
"You still get dinner."
"Even if I yell?"
"Yes."
"Even if I spill?"
"Yes."
She studied him carefully.
"Food isn't something you earn?"
Daniel's eyes filled.
"No, sweetheart. Food is something you need."
Sophie nodded.
Then she whispered, "Claire said Mommy died because Mommy made people mad."
The room went silent.
Daniel leaned forward.
"When did she say that?"
"When I found Bunny."
"What exactly did she say?"
Sophie thought hard.
"She said, 'Your mother learned what happens when she doesn't stop.'"
Daniel felt the floor disappear beneath him.
Hannah's death had been called natural.
Sudden aneurysm.
No reason for suspicion.
But Hannah had been investigating Brightwood.
Claire had threatened her.
Mercer had received her complaint.
Thomas knew her trust work.
Daniel looked at Ortiz.
"Open Hannah's case."
Ortiz's face was grave.
"I already did."
She placed a hospital medication log on the table.
One drug had been added after Hannah arrived unconscious.
May you like
Authorized by a physician Daniel did not recognize.
Dr. Malcolm Rusk.
