Chapter 10 - THE EVIDENCE IN THE OLD BLUEPRINTS
The breakthrough came from an unexpected place.
Thomas Bennett's old architectural drawings.
Isabella had kept digital backups of some files at home.
One drawing included notes about a waterfront redevelopment project Mercer had acquired.
The notes referenced structural defects and safety concerns that had been removed from later versions.
Daniel Price arranged for an independent engineer to review them.
The findings were serious.
Mercer's development company appeared to have ignored documented safety problems.
The altered reports had been used in financing and permit applications.
Authorities began investigating.
At the same time, forensic examination raised questions about the signatures on Isabella's loan amendments.
Her attorney filed the appropriate challenges.
Mercer suddenly faced problems that couldn't be solved by intimidating a widow.
But the most important discovery came from Isabella herself.
She found an old email from Thomas.
It had been sent two weeks before his death.
If anything happens to me, check the original foundation report. Mercer knows the numbers don't match.
Isabella stared at the screen.
Her hands began shaking.
She called me.
“Alexander.”
I answered immediately.
“What is it?”
Her voice cracked.
“I think Thomas knew something.”
I felt cold.
“About Mercer?”
“Yes.”
May you like
She swallowed.
“And I think that's why Mercer wanted the files.”
