Ethan leaned toward the folder. “What are those withdrawals?”
Among Ryan’s deposits were regular transfers to D.W. Property Holdings LLC. My attorney had already discovered the company while tracing estate funds, though we hadn’t identified its assets.
Kelsey searched county property records on her phone. A Sarasota condominium had been purchased in cash through that company eighteen months after Dad died.
Mom rose and reached for her purse. Ryan blocked her path, demanding to know where the money came from, while she ordered him aside.
“Look at the deed,” Kelsey said.
Six months after its purchase, the property’s ownership had transferred to Charles Mercer. I recognized the name when I took the phone.
“Charlie Mercer?” I asked. Mom closed her eyes.
Charlie had been Dad’s business partner until a bitter dispute during my college years. Dad said Charlie had cheated him in a development deal. I believed they hadn’t communicated in years.
Nora had mentioned an old associate contacting the attorney after Dad’s death, asking whether a newer trust existed. I couldn’t confirm from memory who called, but now we had someone to investigate.
I opened the commercial property records my attorney had emailed the previous night. They documented Dad’s dispute with Charlie, including accusations of diverted partnership revenue.
No lawsuit followed; Dad bought Charlie out. Seeing the deed alongside those records, I realized the missing funds went far beyond Ryan’s failed business.
Chapter 4/5
I asked about the equipment auction following Ryan’s business failure. Trucks, trailers, lawnmowers, and a skid steer had been partly purchased with estate funds before being sold.
Ryan said different buyers purchased them. When I asked who organized the auction, he answered, “Mom’s friend,” glancing toward her.
“Charlie arranged buyers,” Mom admitted.
Ryan stepped away from the counter, demanding to know whether his
