Chapter 5 - CLAIRE'S PRICE
Claire Donovan agreed to meet investigators at the district attorney's office.
She arrived in a gray coat, carrying a leather folder. Her face was pale, but she appeared composed.
Richard was not present during the interview. Detective Alvarez and the prosecutor questioned her first.
Claire admitted that she had used Richard's electronic credentials to approve several transfers. She claimed Vanessa had told her the documents were authorized and that Richard had asked for the transactions to remain confidential.
“Did you ever speak directly with Mr. Richard about these approvals?” the prosecutor asked.
“No.”
“Did you verify his instructions?”
“Vanessa said she had his written authorization.”
“Did you see it?”
Claire hesitated.
“No.”
The prosecutor placed a copy of the power of attorney on the table.
“Is this your work?”
Claire looked at it for a long time.
“I prepared the electronic packet.”
“Did you forge his signature?”
“I didn't physically sign his name.”
“Did you use his account to make it appear he had approved the document?”
Claire's eyes filled.
“Yes.”
She said Vanessa had promised her a large payment and threatened to expose an unrelated accounting error if she refused. Claire had known the transactions were improper, but she claimed she had not known Emily was being held in the cellar.
The prosecutor asked about Northstar Medical Consulting.
Claire admitted that she had created the company at Vanessa's request using a nominee director. The company received money from the foundation and transferred it to Westbridge Holdings.
“Who owns Westbridge?” the prosecutor asked.
“I don't know.”
“Who controls it?”
Claire lowered her head.
“Vanessa's father. At least, that's what I was told.”
The interview continued for hours.
At the end, Claire handed over a second phone and a password-protected folder. The investigators would later find messages between her and Vanessa discussing the false medical reports, the power of attorney, and the transfer of the Beverly Hills property.
Richard received the news that evening.
“Claire is cooperating,” Martin said. “She has provided records that may connect Vanessa's father to the scheme.”
“May?”
“We still need independent confirmation.”
Richard nodded. He had learned not to mistake a confession for the whole truth.
Then Martin showed him one final document.
It was a draft sale agreement for the mansion.
The buyer was Westbridge Holdings.
The proposed closing date was the following Monday.
Richard looked at the date.
May you like
“Vanessa planned to sell my house while Emily was still behind the wall.”
Martin said nothing.
