Chapter 7 - THE MISSING SIGNATURE
The wedding bouquet was recovered from a storage room at the hotel.
The florist had preserved it because Victoria had requested that the flowers be dried. A small blue ribbon was tied around the stems. Inside the folded ribbon was a narrow plastic sleeve.
The missing signature page was inside.
It carried Eleanor's forged signature and a witness line bearing Marcus Bell's name.
But there was something else.
A handwritten note had been placed behind the page.
If Eleanor refuses, use the original medical assessment. She has been confused since the fall last winter. The board will accept temporary authority if we present a doctor's statement.
Nathaniel read it in the police station.
His mother had fallen the previous winter, but the accident had caused no lasting cognitive impairment. The medical assessment had been routine and had specifically stated that she was alert, oriented, and capable of making decisions.
Someone had altered it.
Daniel spoke quietly.
“Marcus has access to the company's medical and insurance records. He could have obtained the original.”
“Who altered it?”
“We're checking the document metadata.”
Nathaniel looked at the signature page.
“They planned to make my mother appear incompetent. Then they would take the trust.”
“Victoria's marriage would have given her a public reason to speak for the family,” Daniel said. “Marcus would control the company records.”
“And Richard Shaw would gain access to the board.”
Daniel nodded.
Nathaniel called the police investigator and arranged to hand over the recovered page.
At the same time, Rose was at the hospital with Peter. She had not told him everything, only that a wealthy family had been involved in a dangerous incident and that she might need to give a statement.
Peter looked at the bandages on her palms.
“You're always helping people who don't know how to help themselves.”
Rose smiled faintly.
“You're one to talk.”
He looked at her more seriously.
“Are you safe?”
“I think so.”
“That's not the same as yes.”
“No,” she admitted. “It isn't.”
Peter took her hand carefully.
“Don't let them make you feel small. You did something brave.”
Rose looked away.
She had spent years trying to remain unnoticed. It had seemed safer. The Callaway mansion had been a job, not a place where she expected to become involved in a family crisis.
Now she was a witness in a criminal investigation.
That evening, Nathaniel visited her at the hospital.
He brought no flowers or expensive gifts. He carried a folder.
“The police have the original page. The document expert says the signature is forged.”
Rose nodded.
“Does that mean it's over?”
“Not yet. Marcus hasn't been found, and Victoria is refusing to answer questions.”
He placed a second paper on the table.
“Your employment contract has been terminated at your request. You'll receive every unpaid wage, compensation for the injury, and a written reference. No conditions.”
Rose looked at him.
“I didn't ask to be paid extra.”
“You shouldn't have to ask.”
She read the document carefully.
“Thank you.”
Nathaniel hesitated.
“I also wanted to tell you that my mother asked for you.”
Rose looked up.
“Is she all right?”
“She wants to thank you herself.”
Rose agreed to visit.
Before Nathaniel left, Peter called after him.
“Mr. Callaway?”
Nathaniel turned.
“Take care of your mother.”
May you like
Nathaniel nodded.
“I intend to.”
