Chapter 17 - The Counterattack
Preston agreed to another interview.
This time Emily attended.
Not physically.
She appeared on a secure screen.
Preston saw her and lowered his eyes.
Emily did not waste time.
“Switzerland.”
His face changed.
That was enough.
“What is the account?”
Preston looked toward his attorney.
Emily continued.
“I already know you moved money.”
He said nothing.
“Forty-two million from our marriage.”
Silence.
“Brighton Medical Ventures.”
His attorney whispered.
“Do not answer.”
Emily watched Preston.
“Did you forge my signature?”
Preston’s jaw tightened.
“My father did.”
“Did you know?”
“Yes.”
“Did you stop him?”
“No.”
Emily nodded slowly.
“Then we are done pretending you were manipulated into everything.”
Preston looked at her.
“I can give you Charles.”
“He is already arrested.”
“I can give you the people above him.”
Raymond leaned forward.
“Above him?”
Preston looked frightened now.
“The hospital fraud is larger than my family.”
He explained that Charles had borrowed from an investment consortium called Vale Meridian.
When the Whitmore companies began failing, Vale Meridian took control of several hidden assets.
Including Brighton.
Including debt tied to hospital vendors.
Including influence over Northstar properties.
Emily asked.
“Who runs Vale Meridian?”
Preston shook his head.
“I never met them.”
“Then why Switzerland?”
“Because Charles made me deliver documents.”
“What documents?”
“Beneficial ownership records.”
Emily’s voice sharpened.
“Whose ownership?”
Preston looked directly at her.
“Your mother’s.”
Raymond stood.
“My sister has been dead nine years.”
“I know.”
Preston swallowed.
“Someone has been using Catherine Saint Claire’s identity to control dormant accounts.”
No one spoke.
Emily felt cold.
“Who?”
“I don’t know.”
Then Preston said something even worse.
“My father does.”
Detective Ortiz immediately requested a second interview with Charles.
He refused.
His attorney refused.
Federal prosecutors offered no deals.
Then Charles requested one person.
Emily.
Raymond objected.
Emily accepted.
The interview happened by secure video.
Charles sat in a detention room wearing gray.
He looked smaller.
“Who is using my mother’s identity?”
Charles smiled without humor.
“You finally reached the right question.”
“Answer it.”
“I warned Catherine.”
Emily stared.
“About what?”
“Your family.”
Raymond leaned toward the screen.
Charles ignored him.
He looked only at Emily.
“Your mother did not die believing Raymond would inherit control.”
Emily frowned.
Raymond became motionless.
Charles continued.
“She believed somebody else would come back.”
“Who?”
May you like
Charles leaned toward the camera.
“Your father.”
