Chapter 8 – Forty-Three Minutes
Her name was Lena Marsh. Beckett’s former assistant. The one he had fired when she refused to alter property records for his father’s company.
She testified for forty-three minutes.
Forgery. Coercion. Hidden accounts. A fake valuation scheme. Threats against Ella. A voicemail where Beckett laughed about “breaking her just enough for the trust.”
Preston went red. Beckett went white.
Daniel asked only one question.
“Mr. Vale, did you say nobody would believe her because you believed no one would look?”
Beckett said nothing.
The judge did.
She denied his petition. Granted Ella a protective order. Referred the matter for criminal investigation. Froze related assets pending inquiry into financial abuse and fraud.
Preston shouted, “This is outrageous!”
May you like
I turned in my seat.
“No,” I said. “This is evidence.”
