Chapter 4 - The Bank Statements
The heavy oak study door swung open without a knock.
My mother Margaret walked in, her cream outfit rustling.
Lucas followed right behind her, trying to look confident.
He had smoothed his hair and put on a grin.
"Daniel, we need to talk about your attitude," Margaret.
"You cannot speak to your mother in that manner."
I did not answer her arrogant demand right away.
I stood behind my mahogany desk, tall and perfectly silent.
My hands rested flat against the leather blotter surface.
The paper bank statement folder lay open before my eyes.
I looked from my mother's face to my brother.
Lucas shifted his weight uncomfortably under my locked gaze.
He adjusted his denim shirt collar with trembling fingers.
"What are you staring at, big brother?" Lucas asked.
"Are you still upset about the foot washing thing?"
"Mom was just teaching Elena basic household respect today."
I picked up the thick paper folder from desk.
I held the open pages up for both to see.
"Six hundred eighty-four thousand dollars... gone," I said.
My voice was quiet, dead, and terrifyingly calm now.
The arrogant grin on Lucas's face froze in place.
His pale cheeks instantly lost all their healthy color.
Margaret's eyes widened in sudden, sharp, rising panic.
She took a half-step backward toward the open doorway.
"What... what are you talking about, Daniel?" Lucas stammered.
"I am talking about wire transfers to Vegas accounts."
"I am talking about corporate embezzlement and grand theft."
I pointed my finger directly at Lucas's signed line.
"You signed every single wire authorization yourself, Lucas."
"You stole over six hundred thousand from family funds."
Margaret stepped in front of Lucas, putting hands up.
"Daniel, listen to me, there is an explanation!"
"Lucas was just investing that money for our future!"
"He was setting up a private real estate venture!"
"He used a shell company to hide from taxes!"
I let out a cold, harsh, bitter laugh today.
"Real estate venture?" I asked, looking at Lucas.
May you like
"Or a massive gambling debt at the Bellagio?"
📖 Chapter 5 brings the explosive confession as my brother's gambling debts are laid bare on the desk. Keep reading below. 👇
