Chapter 3 - The Empty Casket
I folded the forged insurance policy and shoved it deeply into my jacket pocket.
My heart pounded furiously against my ribs as I walked back to the main house.
I needed to speak to Elias, my corporate lawyer and oldest friend.
Elias was waiting nervously in the grand foyer along with the rest of the detained guests.
I grabbed his shoulder and pulled him aggressively into my private study.
“Did you draft a ten million dollar life insurance policy for Sofia?” I demanded instantly.
Elias adjusted his expensive glasses, looking genuinely confused.
“Damian, I handle your corporate mergers, not life insurance for the domestic staff.”
I slammed the forged document directly onto his chest.
Elias caught the paper and quickly scanned the legal jargon.
“This is an authentic policy, Damian, and this signature looks exactly like yours.”
“Someone forged it, Elias, and they used my personal notary seal to do it.”
Elias went completely pale.
“If the police find this, they will assume you killed her for the payout.”
“That is exactly why we need to prove she actually died of a natural stroke,” I said firmly.
I walked over to my desk and picked up the secure landline telephone.
I dialed the private number of the chief medical examiner for the county.
“Dr. Aris, this is Damian Vance.”
“Mr. Vance, I assume you are calling about the housekeeper?” the doctor asked hesitantly.
“I need you to exhume Sofia’s body immediately and run a full, off-the-books toxicology panel.”
There was a long, heavy silence on the other end of the telephone line.
“I cannot do that, Mr. Vance.”
“I am paying you a retainer large enough to buy a yacht, doctor, so yes you can.”
“It is not about the money, Damian,” the doctor sighed heavily.
“There is no body to exhume.”
I froze, gripping the telephone receiver until my knuckles turned white.
“I personally paid for her burial nineteen days ago.”
“I know you did, but the plans were legally altered at the very last minute,” the doctor explained.
“Sofia’s body was cremated two days before the funeral service.”
I stared blankly at Elias, who was listening intently on the speakerphone.
“Who authorized a cremation without my consent?” I demanded.
“The cremation order was legally signed by the child’s newly appointed legal guardian,” the doctor replied.
I felt a sudden chill run down my spine.
“Who is Rosie’s legal guardian?”
May you like
The doctor paused before answering.
“According to the paperwork filed yesterday, it is your fiancée, Vivienne.”
