Chapter 9: The Betrayal Behind the Betrayal
Daniel arrived at the police station twenty minutes after we did.
He looked different from the man who had sat across from me in Helen's office. His shoulders were stiff, his face pale, and his hands trembled slightly as he carried a folder into the interview room.
Detective Harris asked me to wait outside while he interviewed Daniel.
Ethan sat beside me in the corridor.
For nearly half an hour, neither of us spoke.
Finally, Ethan broke the silence.
“Dad, do you think he's telling the truth?””
“About which part?””
“About not knowing Sophia was stealing from you.””
I looked at my son.
“I don't know.””
Ethan nodded.
“I keep thinking about how easy it was for me to believe her. She said you attacked her, and I didn't even ask you what happened.””
He stared at the floor.
“Daniel wanted a father. I wanted to believe my wife. We both accepted what we were told because it suited what we wanted to believe.””
I studied him.
“That is a difficult thing to admit.””
“It's even harder to live with.””
“Yes.””
He swallowed.
“Do you think you'll ever forgive me?””
I didn't answer immediately.
I could still feel the sting of his hand. I could still see the satisfaction on Sophia's face as she watched him strike me.
But I could also see the boy who had sat beside his mother's hospital bed, holding her hand because he was afraid she would die while he slept.
I could see the young man who had worked two jobs to help pay for her funeral.
Love did not disappear simply because someone had done something unforgivable.
But love could no longer be used as an excuse.
“I hope I can,” I said.
“But you cannot demand forgiveness on a schedule.””
He nodded.
“I understand.””
The interview room door opened.
Detective Harris stepped into the corridor.
“Mr. Hale, Mr. Price is willing to provide information relevant to the investigation. We'd like you to join us for a brief discussion with your solicitor present.””
Helen had accompanied us to the station. She stood and followed me inside.
Daniel sat at the table with his hands folded in front of him.
A thick folder lay open beside him.
Detective Harris took a seat.
“Mr. Price has provided documents concerning Northbridge Asset Solutions, including correspondence with Sophia Hale. Some of the material appears relevant to the suspected financial fraud involving your accounts.””
I looked at Daniel.
“What have you found?””
He took a breath.
“After we formed Northbridge, Sophia told me that your financial affairs were becoming difficult to manage. She said you were considering transferring your property into a trust, but that you needed help with the paperwork.””
“Did you speak to me?””
“No.””
“Did you ask me to confirm that?””
“No.””
“Why not?””
Daniel looked down.
“Because I was angry with you. I believed you owed me something, and I wanted the arrangement to happen.””
He paused.
“I let that anger replace common sense.””
Detective Harris opened the folder.
“Mr. Price has provided an email chain in which Sophia discusses the proposed trust. He has also provided company records and account statements.””
Helen reviewed the first page.
“Daniel, did you personally authorize the transfers from Mr. Hale's accounts?””
“No.””
“Did you receive any money from them?””
“No. Not directly.””
I caught the distinction.
“What does that mean?””
Daniel looked at me.
“Sophia told me the company had received a legitimate investment from a private client. She said the money would cover the company's initial expenses.””
“Was that the twelve thousand dollars?””
“I believe so.””
“Did you ask where it came from?””
“Yes. She said it was a family contribution.””
“Whose family?””
“She didn't say.””
“And you accepted that?””
He closed his eyes.
“Yes.””
I looked away.
Another man who had chosen the convenient explanation.
Detective Harris slid a printed email across the table.
“This message was sent by Sophia to Daniel on May thirteenth, the day after the twelve-thousand-dollar transfer.””
I read it.
The funds have arrived. We can move forward with the property proposal. Richard is becoming increasingly confused, so there shouldn't be much resistance once the paperwork is presented.
I felt a cold anger spread through me.
She had written about my confusion while using my money.
Helen examined the email.
“Has its authenticity been verified?””
“Not yet,” Detective Harris replied.
“We are preserving the original digital records and will investigate them.””
Daniel took another sheet from the folder.
“This is the message that made me suspicious.””
It was dated two days earlier.
If Richard refuses to sign, we may need to establish that he is no longer capable of making decisions. I have already spoken to someone who can help with the medical documentation.
I stared at the words.
The fake medical letter.
The forged power of attorney.
The staged assault.
Everything was beginning to connect.
“Who was the person she spoke to?”” I asked.
Daniel shook his head.
“I don't know. I asked her, and she told me it wasn't my concern.””
“Did you question her?””
“I did. She said the doctor would only be confirming what everyone already knew.””
I gripped the edge of the table.
“Everyone knew nothing. I had never been assessed.””
Daniel looked ashamed.
“I know that now.””
Detective Harris asked him to explain the company's role in the proposed trust.
Daniel described how Sophia had drafted a plan to place my house into a family trust, with Northbridge acting as the property manager. The proposal included provisions for selling the house if I became unable to manage my affairs.
Under the plan, the proceeds would be distributed among several beneficiaries, including Daniel and Sophia.
Ethan, who had been listening from the doorway, finally spoke.
“Why was my name on the proposal?””
Daniel looked toward him.
“Because Sophia said you supported the arrangement.””
“I never did.””
“I know.””
“Did she tell you I had signed something?””
Daniel nodded.
“She said you had agreed to help her manage your father's finances.””
Ethan's face hardened.
“She lied to both of us.””
“Yes,” Daniel said quietly.
Detective Harris closed the folder.
“We are investigating whether Sophia knowingly submitted false documents to obtain control of Mr. Hale's property and finances. Mr. Price's cooperation is important, but we will need to verify his account independently.””
Daniel nodded.
“I understand.””
Then he turned toward me.
“There is something else I need to tell you.””
May you like
I waited.
“When Sophia first approached me about the trust, she said you had already agreed to leave your house to Ethan and Emma. She claimed you had changed your mind because you were
