On Sunday evening, the Mercers arrived at the private dining room of an upscale restaurant expecting champagne.
Victoria wore diamonds.
Richard brought cigars.
Daniel kissed me and whispered, “See? I knew you’d fit into this family.”
Emily arrived last.
For the first time, she wasn’t wearing long sleeves.
Victoria’s eyes narrowed immediately.
“Cover yourself.”
Emily sat beside me.
“No.”
The entire room became still.
Richard looked toward me. “Claire, perhaps you can talk some sense into her.”
“I think Emily is finally making perfect sense.”
Daniel’s smile vanished.
Then the door opened.
Emily’s trust attorney entered with two investigators from the district attorney’s financial crimes unit and a uniformed officer.
Victoria started rising from her chair.
“What is this?”
I placed my phone on the table.
Richard stared at it.
Then I pressed play.
His own voice filled the room.
We’ve already used enough of your money keeping this family afloat. You’re going to sign before anyone audits those accounts.
The color drained from Victoria’s face.
Daniel turned toward me.
“You recorded us?”
“No,” I said. “I recorded evidence.”
“You sneaky little—”
The officer stepped forward.
