Chapter 9 - THE ATTORNEY
Alan Mercer disappeared.
His home was empty.
Office cleared.
Computer wiped.
Passport missing.
Daniel sat in Elena’s office, staring at a photograph of the man who had eaten Thanksgiving dinner with his family for twenty years.
“He was my father’s best friend.”
Elena looked at him.
“People steal from strangers every day. Betrayal requires access.”
Claire sat across the room.
Evan Brooks was in protective custody.
He had a broken wrist, three cracked ribs, and a story that changed everything.
Alan had hired two men to grab him.
Not kill him.
Scare him.
Take his files.
“Why?” Daniel asked.
Elena slid a transcript across the table.
“Because Evan found payments to Alan.”
Daniel read the line.
Monthly transfers.
Twenty-five thousand.
Thirty thousand.
Forty thousand.
From Sterling-linked entities to a consulting company owned by Alan’s sister.
“Kickbacks?”
“Looks that way.”
Claire shook her head.
“He was helping Marcus.”
Elena leaned back.
“Maybe.”
Daniel looked up.
“What do you mean, maybe?”
“Marcus appears to have stolen corporate money.”
“Appears?”
“We can prove he authorized transfers.”
“So what are we missing?”
“Motive.”
Daniel almost laughed.
“Seven million dollars seems like motive.”
“No. Seven million is the act.”
Elena pointed to the chart.
“Marcus moved money into private companies. But a large portion went directly to Sterling-connected parties. That looks less like simple theft and more like participation in a larger scheme.”
Claire understood first.
“He wasn’t stealing alone.”
“No.”
Daniel stared at the names.
“Alan built the structure.”
“That’s what I think.”
“And Marcus?”
Elena paused.
“Marcus may have believed he was buying into something much bigger.”
Daniel rubbed his face.
“Then why send me Claire’s video?”
“To turn you against her.”
“Why?”
“Because together, you’re harder to control.”
Daniel’s phone rang.
Caldwell Consulting.
Board chairman.
Daniel answered.
“Hello?”
“Daniel, we need you here.”
“What happened?”
“The board received documents.”
“What documents?”
“Evidence that Claire accepted company funds.”
Daniel stood.
“They’re fake.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“They’re incomplete.”
“The board has called an emergency meeting.”
“When?”
“Now.”
Daniel looked at Claire.
The chairman continued.
“There’s something else.”
“What?”
“Marcus filed a motion to temporarily remove you as CEO.”
Daniel went still.
“On what grounds?”
“Failure of oversight.”
Claire covered her mouth.
Daniel’s voice became quiet.
“He stole seven million dollars and now he’s removing me?”
“He has support.”
“From who?”
“Enough directors.”
Daniel hung up.
Claire stood.
“Don’t go alone.”
“I won’t.”
At Caldwell Consulting, twelve directors sat around the table.
Marcus sat at the far end.
Perfect suit.
Perfect tie.
Perfect calm.
Daniel walked in.
Marcus smiled.
“Hey, big brother.”
Daniel took his seat.
The chairman cleared his throat.
“Daniel, this board has voted.”
Marcus didn’t look away.
“Effective immediately, pending investigation, you are suspended as chief executive officer.”
Daniel stared at his brother.
Marcus leaned back.
“And I’ll be taking over.”
May you like
Then he mouthed two silent words.
Game over.
