Chapter 6 - THE MAN WHO WANTED THE GARDEN GONE
Silas Greco had worked for the Varela family for twenty years.
He knew every weakness.
Every secret.
Every habit.
And he knew Mateo trusted him.
That trust had become the foundation of Silas's power.
When Mateo began reviewing the foundation's finances, Silas grew nervous.
He contacted Northbank Renewal Partners.
The buyer's representative answered immediately.
"Greco."
"We have a problem."
"What kind?"
"Mateo is asking questions."
Silence.
Then the representative said:
"Can you control him?"
Silas looked toward the window.
"I always have."
"Then do it again."
Silas ended the call.
He opened a drawer.
Inside was a photograph.
Elias Varela standing outside the Harbor Row warehouse.
Beside him was a man Silas recognized.
Daniel Mercer.
Silas stared.
Then reached for his phone.
"Find out where Mercer works."
Meanwhile, Mateo continued investigating.
He hired independent auditors.
Reviewed old contracts.
And asked questions he should have asked years earlier.
The results were disturbing.
Funds had been diverted from legitimate freight operations.
Foundation accounts had been used to conceal suspicious transfers.
And several transactions appeared connected to Northbank.
Then the auditors discovered something else.
The Rose Conservatory had been listed as collateral for a loan.
Mateo stared.
"Collateral?"
The auditor nodded.
"Without your direct authorization."
Mateo's expression hardened.
"Who signed?"
The auditor hesitated.
"Silas Greco."
Mateo looked toward the window.
Beyond the lawn, the conservatory shimmered beneath the afternoon sun.
His brother's garden.
Ruby's favorite place.
Mara's livelihood.
And Silas had used it as a bargaining chip.
Mateo stood.
"Call my attorney."
May you like
Then he added:
"And tell security that Silas Greco is no longer permitted to enter Varela House."
