Chapter 7 - THE INSURANCE POLICY
The life insurance policy was worth thirty million dollars.
Daniel was the insured person.
Patricia was the primary beneficiary.
Vanessa was secondary.
The policy had been opened nine months earlier using a forged medical examination.
Daniel’s false addiction record justified a higher premium but did not prevent approval.
The application stated that Daniel frequently traveled to dangerous construction sites.
An accidental death rider doubled the payout.
Daniel read the documents inside a secure hospital conference room.
“I never signed this.”
Detective Kim nodded.
“We know.”
“Who paid the premiums?”
“Mercer International Holdings.”
The secret company existed for three purposes.
To receive stolen funds.
To create fraudulent debt under Daniel’s name.
And to finance a policy that became valuable if he died overseas.
“What was supposed to happen?” I asked.
Vanessa’s statement described an accident planned at Daniel’s project site.
A subcontractor would disable a temporary elevator brake.
Daniel was scheduled to inspect the structure alone.
His early return to the United States had not been planned.
He left Singapore after receiving an anonymous message.
RACHEL IS IN DANGER.
COME HOME BEFORE FRIDAY.
Daniel believed the message came from a concerned employee.
The number belonged to a prepaid phone purchased near Patricia’s home.
Vanessa claimed she sent it.
“Why?” Detective Kim asked during the recorded interview.
Vanessa sat behind a glass wall wearing a gray jail uniform.
Her face was bruised from the arrest.
“Because Mom said Daniel’s accident would solve everything.”
“You participated in the insurance fraud.”
“I did not agree to kill him.”
“You agreed to frame him.”
“That was different.”
Daniel stared at her.
“You opened a company in my name.”
“Mom opened it.”
“You signed documents.”
“She said you would never be charged.”
“You attacked my wife.”
Vanessa’s eyes filled with tears.
“I needed the transfer.”
“You nearly killed my children.”
“I thought Rachel would give me the code.”
“She said no.”
“You hit her.”
“I panicked.”
Daniel’s voice became colder.
“No.”
“You made a decision.”
Vanessa looked toward me through the glass.
“You do not understand what Patricia does when someone fails.”
I touched the scar near my temple.
“I understand what you do.”
Vanessa looked away.
Detective Kim returned to the insurance plan.
“Who arranged the elevator sabotage?”
“Eric.”
“Where is he?”
“I don’t know.”
Phone records placed Eric Sloan in Singapore two days before Daniel’s scheduled inspection.
After Daniel returned early, Eric flew to New York.
He had not contacted Vanessa since the assault.
The police issued an international warrant.
Vanessa continued.
“Mom needed Daniel dead before the annual audit.”
“The insurance payment would cover the missing money.”
“She would tell the board he had hidden debts.”
“I would become interim chair.”
“And Oliver?”
“He would finally be recognized as a Mercer.”
Daniel stared at his sister.
“You were willing to let me die so your son could inherit my place.”
“No.”
Vanessa’s voice rose.
“I was trying to stop it.”
“You warned me one day before the planned accident.”
“I did warn you.”
“Then you came to my house and attacked my wife.”
“I needed money to get Oliver away from Eric.”
“You had choices.”
“Not in this family.”
Daniel stood.
“You had the same choice Rachel had.”
“What choice?”
“To say no.”
He left the interview room.
May you like
Vanessa began crying.
For once, no one moved to comfort her.
