Chapter 17 - THE WOMAN BEHIND THE ACCOUNTS|
Rebecca identified the woman in Vanessa’s photograph as Evelyn Shaw, a corporate restructuring consultant who had worked with several Blackwood-related businesses.
Her involvement was not, by itself, suspicious. Consultants often met with executives during ownership disputes.
What concerned Rebecca was the timing.
Evelyn had entered the building the same afternoon the original ledger was delivered to our office.
“We cannot assume she intends to destroy evidence,” Rebecca warned. “But we should notify the investigators about the meeting and preserve the photograph.”
I agreed.
The following day, Evelyn contacted me directly.
Her email was polite and professional.
Ms. Blackwood, I understand that you have concerns about certain foundation records. I believe there may be misunderstandings that could be resolved through a confidential meeting.
Rebecca advised me not to attend alone or discuss the evidence outside the legal process.
We arranged a meeting at her office with counsel present.
Evelyn arrived carrying a slim briefcase. She was in her fifties, impeccably dressed, with the composed expression of someone accustomed to controlling difficult conversations.
“I appreciate your willingness to meet,” she said.
“I want to know why you contacted me.”
She opened her briefcase and removed a folder.
“I have worked with the Blackwood organization for several years. Some of the accounting summaries were prepared under rushed circumstances. It is possible that administrative errors occurred.”
“Errors that changed the amounts reported to the trust committee?”
She folded her hands.
“Potentially.”
“Who authorized the changes?”
“That is what I am trying to establish.”
I watched her carefully.
“Then why did you meet with Dominic after the original ledger was produced?”
Her expression barely changed.
“To discuss the implications of the review.”
“Did you offer to make the records disappear?”
“No.”
She answered too quickly.
Rebecca leaned forward.
“Ms. Shaw, any communication regarding the alteration, destruction, or concealment of relevant records should be preserved. We are not asking you to speculate, but we expect full cooperation with any lawful investigation.”
Evelyn nodded.
“I understand.”
Before leaving, she turned to me.
“You should know that Dominic was not the only person involved in the foundation's administration. Many people signed routine documents. If this becomes public, the damage could extend beyond your marriage.”
I met her gaze.
“Then everyone should tell the truth.”
She left without responding.
Afterward, Rebecca told me that Evelyn’s statement could be a genuine attempt to clarify the records or an effort to minimize her own involvement. We would need independent evidence.
That evening, I received a call from Olivia.
“Dominic has moved out of the family house,” she said.
“Where is he staying?”
“I don't know. Margaret says he went to a hotel.”
“Has he contacted Vanessa?”
“No. She's terrified.”
I took a breath.
“Olivia, I need you to stop repeating what Margaret says and start asking for evidence.”
“I know.”
Then she lowered her voice.
“There's something else. Dominic's attorney has requested a private meeting with the trust committee. He wants to replace the foundation's administrator before the review is complete.”
“Who would replace me?”
“Evelyn Shaw.”
I felt a chill.
Dominic was trying to remove me from the records while placing the person who had helped manage those records in control of the review.
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He had pretended to be deaf because he wanted silence.
Now that the truth was getting louder, he was trying to choose who would be allowed to hear it.
