Chapter 8 - The Debt in My Name
Rachel arrived at my house the next morning with two folders and a grim expression.
“The good news is that a signature alone doesn't automatically make you responsible for every transaction,” she said. “The bad news is that someone has been using your identity to create the appearance of authorization.”
I sat opposite her, Hailey asleep in her bassinet.
“How much money?”
“We're still tracing it.”
“Rachel.”
She opened the folder.
“Nearly two million dollars.”
For several seconds, I couldn't breathe.
The transfers had passed through the company registered under my name before moving into accounts associated with Richard Reed's investment group.
If the records were accurate, I could be accused of participating in financial misconduct.
“I didn't know about any of this.”
“I believe you. Now we need evidence that proves it.”
Liam arrived while Rachel was reviewing the documents.
He looked at the papers and immediately recognized the account number.
“You told me the account was closed,” I said.
His face tightened.
“I thought it was.”
“You knew about it?”
“I knew Richard's people had established a subsidiary. I didn't know they used your information.”
“Why was my signature on the authorization?”
He sat down heavily.
“After Hailey was born, I signed a stack of insurance paperwork. I thought everything was legitimate.”
“You let me sign without explaining what was in front of me.”
“I made a mistake.”
“You made hundreds of decisions without thinking about the consequences for me.”
For once, he had no answer.
Rachel warned him not to contact Richard or Vanessa until she had reviewed the evidence. Liam agreed, though I could see panic spreading across his face.
After he left, Rachel received a secure email from the former employee.
It contained an internal message dated two weeks earlier.
Richard Reed had written that the transaction must close before Liam's wife discovered the truth.
May you like
Below it was another sentence.
If she refuses to cooperate, use the child to force his hand.
