Chapter 5 - The Coward Unmasked
The color drained from Vanessa’s face so fast she looked like a ghost standing in the morning sun. Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, like a fish gasping for air on dry land.
“That’s... that’s impossible,” Vanessa stammered, grabbing Richard’s arm with manic desperation. “Richard, tell them! You told me Mom owned half! You told me Dad’s will gave us the estate!”
Richard’s swagger had vanished entirely. Beads of cold sweat were forming along his hairline, soaking his collar. He avoided his wife’s eyes, staring down at the gravel driveway with absolute panic.
“Richard?” Vanessa’s voice rose an octave, sharp and hysterical. “Answer me! Why aren't you saying anything?”
“He isn't saying anything because he knew the truth all along, Vanessa,” I said calmly, taking a step forward. “Nine months ago, Richard went to the county recorder’s office to pull the title records so he could apply for his commercial expansion loan. The clerk told him the exact same thing Samuel just told you: the sole deed belongs to Evelyn Bennett.”
Vanessa spun on her husband, her fingernails digging deep into his linen sleeve. “You knew? You knew this whole time?”
“I was trying to fix it!” Richard yelled back, his voice cracking under the pressure. “The bank wouldn't approve the three hundred and fifty thousand dollar line of credit without the landowner’s signature! I thought if we pressured Evelyn at the family dinner with everyone watching, she’d feel too guilty to say no! She’s always rolled over for your mother! How was I supposed to know she’d run to the county inspectors like a coward?”
“A coward?” I let out a dry, humorless chuckle. “Richard, you took seven hundred thousand dollars from sixty-four engaged couples and blew it on sports cars, luxury vacations, and designer jewelry for your wife. When the bills came due, you planned to hand me the debt, declare corporate bankruptcy, and leave me to lose my home while you walked away scott-free. Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out?”
Inspector Pendelton stepped up beside Richard, his expression stern and unyielding. “Richard Miller, under the authority of the State Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Division, your corporate accounts have been frozen pending a full forensic audit. Furthermore, we have a warrant for your personal business computers and financial ledgers located inside the guesthouse.”
Two additional officers in plainclothes walked past the hedges, heading straight for the guesthouse entrance with evidence boxes in hand.
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“Wait! You can’t go in there!” Richard screamed, trying to run toward the door.
The lead deputy stepped into his path, his hand resting firmly against Richard’s chest, pushing him back onto the grass. “Stay right where you are, sir. Do not interfere with authorized law enforcement officers.”
