Chapter 17 - THE SIGNATURE THAT COULD HAVE TAKEN HER CHILD|
Audrey read the medical authorization form in the hospital conference room.
It appeared to grant a private medical provider permission to make decisions about her pregnancy if she became incapacitated.
The document included a clause transferring temporary guardianship of the baby to a designated trustee.
The trustee was Peter Voss.
Audrey felt her hands go cold.
“Who created this?”
The investigator answered.
“Douglas. The medical provider is a private clinic connected to Victor.”
“Could they have used it?”
“Only if they could establish that you were unable to make decisions.”
Miriam examined the signature.
“It's forged.”
Audrey stared at the document.
“They were preparing for me to disappear.”
The investigator nodded.
“We believe the plan was to create a medical emergency, declare you incapable of making decisions, and use the authorization to transfer guardianship.”
“Who would have carried it out?”
“We're investigating the clinic.”
Audrey looked toward the window.
For months, she had believed her greatest problem was a husband who no longer respected her. The truth was far more frightening. People had been using her pregnancy as leverage in a financial conspiracy.
She called her obstetrician.
The doctor immediately arranged a full examination and additional security at the hospital.
“You and your baby are safe here,” the doctor assured her.
Audrey wanted to believe that.
But that evening, Ronin's attorney called.
“Mr. Keane has been released on bail.”
Audrey closed her eyes.
“Why?”
“His cooperation and the evidence against the other defendants have changed the circumstances. He will remain under restrictions.”
“Where is he?”
“He asked me to tell you that he won't approach you unless you agree.”
Audrey said nothing.
“Mrs. Keane, he also wants to give you something.”
“What?”
“A document proving that he has transferred his personal interest in the foundation's legitimate assets to an independent trust.”
“Who controls it?”
“You do, through the board.”
Audrey looked at Miriam.
“Send it to my attorney.”
The following day, Ronin appeared outside the hospital.
He did not enter.
He stood near the reception desk, hands visible, waiting for permission.
Audrey watched him through the glass.
He looked thinner. The silver at his temples seemed more pronounced.
She walked toward him.
“You shouldn't be here.”
“I know.”
“What do you want?”
“To tell you that I signed the documents.”
“Which documents?”
“The transfer. The foundation is yours again. No one in my family can control it.”
“It's not mine. It's the foundation's.”
He nodded.
“Then it's where it belongs.”
She looked at him.
“Why did you let Eddie remove my place card?”
“Because I thought I could control the situation.”
“You keep saying that.”
“I know.”
“Do you understand what it felt like to walk into that room?”
He swallowed.
“Yes.”
“No, Ronin. You understand what it looked like. You don't understand what it did to me.”
He lowered his eyes.
“I wanted you to believe I had chosen Celeste.”
“Why?”
“So Peter would think I was willing to sacrifice the marriage. I thought it would make him reveal the ledger.”
“You used my humiliation as bait.”
“Yes.”
“And you never considered what that would do to me.”
“I did. I convinced myself it was necessary.”
Audrey looked at him for a long time.
“That is the difference between us. You can always convince yourself that hurting someone is necessary.”
He had no answer.
Then the doctor approached.
“Mrs. Keane, we need to bring you upstairs.”
Audrey turned.
“Is something wrong?”
“Your blood pressure is elevated. We want to monitor you.”
Ronin stepped forward.
“Is the baby okay?”
The doctor nodded.
“For now.”
May you like
Audrey walked away.
Behind her, Ronin remained where he was.
