Chapter 8 - Building the Fortress
I knew the legal system well enough to understand that emotion wouldn't win this battle; meticulous, flawless procedure would. I asked the investigating detective to formally extract and preserve all of Daniel's text messages, ensuring a verifiable chain of custody for the digital evidence.
Next, I needed to build a firewall between my personal vendetta and my professional career.
I drove to the state attorney general’s office and walked straight into my supervisor’s office. I laid out the situation plainly, formally reporting the conflict of interest. Because Daniel was family by marriage, I officially stepped away from any state-sponsored investigation into his businesses. I signed the recusal paperwork without hesitation. I would not give Daniel’s high-priced lawyers a single procedural crack to crawl through and claim I abused my government position.
But as a private citizen, I could absolutely help my sister understand her own financial records.
My next call was to Mara Chen. Mara was a ruthless, brilliant domestic-violence attorney who had once helped our unit trace offshore assets hidden during a highly publicized divorce case. She owed me a favor, and she despised men who used money as a weapon.
"Mara, I need you," I said when she answered.
"Who is the target?" she asked, all business.
"My brother-in-law. He battered my sister and now he's threatening her with fabricated financial crimes."
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"I'll have the emergency protective order drafted within the hour," Mara replied. "Bring her to my office. It's time to go on the offensive."
For the first time in days, I felt the heavy weight on my chest begin to lift. The board was set, and Daniel had no idea he was playing against professionals.
