Chapter 5 - Richard Helped Robert Hide Claire
Richard admitted he helped Robert twenty-two years earlier.
Not with murder.
Not with kidnapping.
With paperwork.
Claire and Robert’s marriage had collapsed after Claire discovered
Robert using company funds to cover personal debts.
She wanted a divorce.
She also wanted her share of Bennett Development.
Robert feared losing control.
Claire left for several months.
During that period, Robert told the family she was ill.
Richard signed documents transferring operational control of several
properties.
He believed they were temporary.
Harbor House was among them.
“Did Claire sign?”
Richard looked ashamed.
“No.”
Ethan stared.
“You forged her signature?”
“No. Robert did.”
“And you knew?”
“Later.”
Margaret asked the question that mattered.
“Where did Claire go?”
Richard claimed he did not know.
Vanessa said Claire told a different story.
According to Claire, Richard drove her to the airport.
Richard closed his eyes.
“Yes.”
The restaurant had become too public for what followed.
They moved the discussion to an attorney’s office.
Richard explained that Claire begged him to help her leave.
Robert had become controlling.
He monitored accounts and threatened to ruin her professionally.
Richard drove her to the airport and gave her cash.
Then he lied to Robert about where she went.
For years, Richard believed he had protected her.
But he also stayed silent while Robert told everyone Claire was dead.
Ethan asked:
“Why?”
Richard answered:
“Because your father made me a partner six months later.”
Silence.
There it was.
May you like
Protection mixed with self-interest.
Again.
