Chapter 3 — The Truth Richard Buried
Chapter 3 — The Truth Richard Buried
Police arrived within minutes after one of the hotel staff called emergency services.
Richard calmly insisted everything had been misunderstood.
But Emily finally found her voice.
"He came into my room after the reception."
"He locked the door."
"He said I wasn't worthy of carrying the Ashcroft name."
Her voice cracked.
"When I tried to leave..."
"...he pulled out the gun."
Richard laughed.
"A ridiculous story."
Nathaniel reached into his jacket.
"I don't think so."
He placed a small digital recorder on the table.
Emily looked at him in surprise.
"I gave this to you this morning."
"You said it was for the wedding vows."
Nathaniel nodded.
"It was recording all afternoon."
An officer pressed play.
Richard's voice filled the room.
"You'll smile downstairs."
"You'll never tell my son."
"If you do..."
"No one will believe you."
Silence.
The detective looked at Richard.
"Would you like to explain that?"
Richard had no answer.
During the investigation, another truth surfaced.
Emily had discovered financial documents proving Richard had secretly diverted millions of dollars from the family's charitable foundation into offshore accounts.
She had confronted him earlier that day.
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The threat had never been about protecting the family's reputation.
It had been about protecting his crimes.
