Chapter 3: The Ghost in the Garden
"Those roses," Vance continued, walking toward the altar, "are a tribute. Every year, on this date, Elias leaves a white rose at the base of the old oak tree on the north side of this property. It’s not for the landscaping. It’s for the man who died there ten years ago."
Mark started to tremble. "This is insane. Arrest him for trespassing!"
"Ten years ago," Vance said, ignoring the outburst, "the original owner of this estate, Arthur Blackwood, died in an 'accidental' fall. Or so the police report said. But the report was signed by a junior officer who took a massive bribe from a young, ambitious intern named Mark Sterling."
The room gasped. Elias stood up, his posture suddenly straight, his eyes no longer milky, but piercingly clear. "You didn't just steal the estate, Mark. You stole a life. Arthur was a good man. He was trying to expose your embezzlement scheme, and you pushed him. I saw it. I was in the greenhouse."
May you like
Mark roared, "He's senile! He’s a gardener!"
"He’s not just a gardener," Vance said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "He’s the only surviving witness to a murder. And I have the digital ledger that Arthur hid before he died—the one that proves you’ve been laundering billions through 'charitable' fronts since the day you took over."
