Evelyn shook her head.
“He knows I found something.
Not what.”
“Good.”
I handed the recorder back to her and took out my phone.
Regina caught my wrist.
“Who are you calling?”
“The police first.
Then the investigator handling the pension accounts.”
“If Patrick hears sirens, he will destroy whatever is left.”
“Then we give him a reason to stay.”
I opened the door.
Patrick stood beneath the porch light in a navy overcoat.
Benton waited one step behind him, clutching the same leather folder he had carried when I signed my contract.
Patrick smiled when he saw me.
“There he is.
The devoted husband.”
His gaze moved past my shoulder and found Evelyn.
The smile faltered.
“Mrs.
Vale.
I thought we agreed you would stop harassing my family.”
“You agreed with yourself,” she replied.
Benton raised the folder.
“Matthew, your conduct tonight constitutes a serious violation.
You have made defamatory accusations, accessed confidential records, and endangered Ms.
Albright’s succession claim.”
I stepped aside.
“Come explain it inside.”
Patrick studied my face, searching for panic.
When he did not find it, his confidence returned.
He walked into the dining room and saw the red envelope, the open evidence boxes, and the photograph of himself beside the SUV.
His eyes paused on it for half a second.
That was enough.
“You followed me,” he said to Evelyn.
“I learned from my son.”
Patrick turned to Regina.
“This ends tonight.
Benton has prepared a statement declaring the marriage fraudulent.
Sign it, resign as chief executive, and I will make sure your driver receives enough money to disappear.”
“My name is Matthew.”
“I know your name.” Patrick looked at me.
“I also know your mother’s hospital room.”
Regina took one step toward him.
“Threaten her again.”
Patrick smiled.
“That was concern, not a threat.
You have always been too emotional to understand the difference.”
Benton placed the folder on the table and opened it to a signature page.
“Regina, the board meets at nine tomorrow morning.
Unless this is resolved, we will present evidence of fraud, emotional instability, and improper use of company funds.”
“The money for my mother came from Regina’s personal account,” I said.
“Can you prove that?” Benton asked.
Regina glanced toward the evidence room.
“I can prove much more.”
Patrick’s face hardened.
