Chapter 2 - THE WOMAN WHO OWNED THE ROOM
Daniel Mercer arrived at the penthouse at six fifteen carrying a leather briefcase and two coffees.
He had represented the Hartwell family for twenty-three years.
He was sixty-one, silver-haired, and possessed the unfortunate habit of becoming more cheerful as legal situations became more disastrous.
He was not cheerful that morning.
Loretta showed him the voicemail, the jewelry appraisal, and the emails.
Daniel listened without interruption.
Then he removed his glasses.
"First question. Are you physically safe?"
"Yes."
"Second. Does Oliver know you found this?"
"No."
"Good. Let's keep it that way until we understand the situation."
Loretta folded her hands.
"I want a divorce."
Daniel nodded.
"That part is straightforward."
"And my mother's bracelet."
"That part should be straightforward too, assuming we can establish where it is."
Loretta gave him a bitter smile.
"I suspect Camille intends to wear it somewhere."
"Why?"
"Because Oliver told her I wouldn't notice."
Daniel studied her.
"There's something else."
She turned the tablet toward him.
The email chain included references to a board vote scheduled for the following Thursday.
The same Thursday as the Hartwell Foundation's annual gala.
One message mentioned a revised executive compensation package.
Another referred to a strategic transition.
And one sentence appeared repeatedly.
After the gala, everything changes.
Daniel's expression hardened.
"Who has access to foundation accounts?"
"Oliver oversees investment administration. I approve grants and major expenditures."
"And who appointed him?"
"I did."
Loretta looked away.
Eleven years earlier, Oliver had been charming, ambitious, and apparently devoted to her mother's mission.
He had left a lucrative consulting position to help the foundation modernize its financial operations.
Margaret had liked him.
Or so Loretta had believed.
Daniel opened his briefcase.
"We need an independent forensic review."
Loretta nodded.
"Quietly."
"Very quietly."
He paused.
"And Loretta?"
"Yes?"
"Don't confront the mistress at the gala without knowing what you're confronting."
Loretta looked toward the portrait of her mother hanging above the fireplace.
"She plans to wear my mother's bracelet."
"Then let her."
Loretta turned.
Daniel's voice remained calm.
"If she wears it publicly, we may be able to establish possession without relying solely on an email."
For the first time that morning, Loretta smiled.
May you like
It was not a pleasant smile.
"Then I suppose Camille deserves an invitation."
