Chapter 4 - The Pocket Watch
Nathaniel quickly stepped out of the light, waiting on the porch as Richard’s car idled to a stop. What was his Vice President doing at his home at ten o'clock on Christmas Eve?
"Nathaniel!" Richard called out, stepping out of the car with a thick leather briefcase. He wore a forced, jovial smile. "I saw the lights on. I know you hate being bothered during the holidays, but the accountants need your signature on the year-end fiscal closures before Tuesday. Thought I'd save you a trip to the office."
"You drove all the way out here on Christmas Eve for a signature?" Nathaniel asked, keeping his tone casual as he let Richard into the sprawling, silent foyer.
"You know me. Never stop working," Richard chuckled, unlatching the briefcase on the mahogany entry table.
As Richard spread the documents out, Nathaniel's eyes caught a glimpse of a file folder tucked in the back of the briefcase. The tab read: Evans Settlement - Dispersed.
Nathaniel's blood ran cold. If the file said the money was dispersed, but Sarah had been denied the claim, Richard had stolen two million dollars.
"Just sign on the sticky notes," Richard said, handing over a gold pen.
Before Nathaniel could take it, the heavy oak doors of the drawing-room swung open. Little Lily stood there in her pajamas, rubbing her eyes. "Mr. Nathaniel? Mommy said I left my pink coat in your car."
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In her small hand, dangling by a silver chain, was an antique pocket watch. Nathaniel recognized it instantly; it was the customized watch he had given to all his site foremen five years ago.
Richard froze, staring at the little girl, and then his eyes locked onto the silver watch. The color drained completely from his face.
