Chapter 3 - Rachel’s Voice
Daniel’s hands shook as he picked up the recorder.
Margaret stepped forward.
“Daniel, you don’t know when that was made.”
“Stay where you are.”
His tone stopped her.
Emma sat on the study sofa while Daniel pressed PLAY.
Static.
Then Rachel’s voice filled the room.
“If Daniel is hearing this, then Margaret found out I was keeping records.”
Daniel’s blood went cold.
Margaret whispered, “Turn it off.”
He didn’t.
Rachel continued.
“I hope I’m wrong. God, I hope I’m wrong.”
Daniel gripped the recorder harder.
“I started noticing money moving through Reed Family Holdings six months ago. Small amounts first. Then larger transfers disguised as consulting fees.”
Daniel looked at Margaret.
His father had founded Reed Family Holdings decades earlier.
After his death, Daniel inherited controlling ownership.
Margaret retained a minority interest and an advisory role.
Daniel had rarely questioned her.
Rachel’s recording continued.
“I asked Margaret about one payment. She told me Daniel authorized it.”
Daniel whispered, “I didn’t.”
Margaret’s face tightened.
Rachel’s voice:
“So I asked Daniel casually that night. He had no idea what I was talking about.”
Daniel remembered the conversation.
Rachel had asked whether he was planning renovations at one of their commercial properties.
He had laughed and said no.
He hadn’t realized she was testing something.
“I started copying records,” Rachel said. “Then files disappeared from the company server.”
Margaret stepped into the room.
“That recording proves nothing.”
Daniel ignored her.
Rachel continued:
“And yesterday Margaret asked me whether Daniel had updated his will.”
Silence.
Daniel looked up.
Margaret said quickly, “Families discuss wills.”
Rachel’s voice became quieter.
“She specifically asked what happens to Daniel’s shares if something happens to both of us.”
Emma didn’t understand the financial meaning.
But she understood fear.
She moved closer to her father.
Rachel continued.
“I told Margaret I didn’t know.”
A pause.
“But I lied.”
Daniel’s eyes filled.
Rachel had always been terrible at lying to him.
Apparently, not when she believed it was protecting him.
“The answer is Emma.”
Margaret’s expression changed.
Daniel looked at his daughter.
Rachel continued:
“If Daniel and I are both gone, Emma inherits controlling interest through a protected trust.”
Daniel felt sick.
Margaret had known.
Rachel had discovered money disappearing.
Then she had started asking questions.
Months later, Rachel was dead.
Daniel stopped the recorder.
He turned slowly toward his mother.
Margaret snapped, “Do not look at me like that.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You don’t have to.”
Daniel looked at the envelope.
His name was written across it.
He opened it.
Inside was a photocopy of a bank transfer.
$480,000.
Recipient:
MRC Strategic Services LLC.
Daniel frowned.
“What is MRC?”
Margaret answered too quickly.
“I have no idea.”
May you like
Then Daniel saw the authorized signer.
Margaret R. Reed.
