Chapter 18 - The Third Signature
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I sat back against my pillows, my mind spinning.
The story made logical sense. It explained why Thomas had created Northstar, why Martin Shaw held control over the foundation transfers, and why Vivian had only been able to drain eight hundred thousand dollars instead of the entire three million.
It was a brilliant legal trap designed by a dying father to save his son from a greedy mother.
Except for one detail.
My forensic training had taught me that every lie contains ninety percent truth. It’s the remaining ten percent that hides the real crime.
I pulled up the Harbor Foundation’s original bank registration documents that Detective Morris’s team had pulled two hours prior.
“You said you were the sole secondary manager of the offshore trust, Martin,” I said quietly.
Martin nodded on the screen. “Yes. Acting on Thomas’s explicit instructions.”
“Then why,” I asked, zooming in on the signature card at the bottom of the foundation’s primary account, “does the bank card require two authorized signatures to release quarterly wire transfers?”
Martin went completely rigid.
Lena looked at the screen, then at me. “Two signatures?”
“Yes,” I said, tracing my finger over the digital document. “Martin Shaw’s signature is required as the legal trustee. But there is a second authorized signature required on every single transfer authorization form submitted for the last six years.”
I looked up at Martin’s pale, frozen face.
“Who is the second signatory, Martin?” I asked softly. “It’s not Thomas—he’s been dead for nine years. It’s not Vivian—she didn't know the offshore account existed. And it’s certainly not Adrian.”
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Martin didn't answer. He stared at the screen, his mouth pressed into a thin, tight line.
“Detective Morris,” I said, turning my head. “Check the secondary signature against the state notary database right now.”
