Chapter 5 - The Masterclass in Performance
By Thursday evening, David Richards was back in Seattle.
He walked through the front door of their Mercer Island home carrying a box of gourmet pastries from downtown, his expression a masterclass in practiced, domestic devotion. He dropped his leather briefcase in the entryway and called out into the quiet house.
“Nay? Leo? I’m home! I brought dinner!”
Naomi sat at the kitchen island, nursing a cup of green tea while softly rocking Leo’s bassinet with her foot. She looked tired—deliberately, exhaustedly tired—wearing an oversized knit cardigan that hid the surgical bandages on her abdomen.
David hurried into the kitchen, his face a mask of concern as he rushed over to hug her. He smelled faintly of expensive cedarwood and a woman’s floral perfume that definitely wasn’t Naomi’s.
“Oh, honey, you shouldn't be sitting up,” David scolded gently, kissing the top of her head. “How was the baby today? Did he sleep? You look exhausted. Let me take him.”
He reached for Leo, his movements slightly too stiff, too rehearsed. Naomi didn't flinch. She let him lift the baby, watching closely as David held his son at arm’s length, whispering generic baby talk while his eyes darted toward his phone on the counter.
“Portland was a nightmare,” David sighed, setting Leo back down with visible relief. “The litigation got completely out of hand. I barely slept. I don't know how I'm going to survive next week with the corporate merger briefs.”
Naomi took a slow sip of her tea. “You’ve been traveling a lot lately, David.”
A microscopic flash of panic crossed his blue eyes, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. He offered a tired, self-deprecating chuckle. “Tell me about it. I hate being away from you and Leo. But it’s for our future, Nay. Once partner-track promotions are locked in next month, I’m cutting back my travel. I promise.”
Next month.
Naomi kept her face completely neutral. “That’s good to hear. Because things are going to be changing around here very soon.”
“Of course they are, sweetheart. We’re a family now.” David checked his watch, a flicker of nervous energy returning to his posture. “Listen, hate to do this, but Harrison needs me back at the downtown office tonight to sign off on some urgent asset transfers for the morning filing. I’ll be back late. Don’t wait up.”
He kissed her cheek, grabbed his leather briefcase, and practically sprinted out the front door.
The moment his car engine faded down the driveway, Naomi’s phone buzzed on the counter.
It was a text from Maya: He just accessed the primary safety deposit box at the downtown branch. Transferred another twenty grand to the Meridian account thinking we wouldn't notice.
Naomi picked up her phone and dialed Victoria Sterling.
“The trap is baited,” Naomi said quietly. “He just made his final transfer.”
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“Copy that,” Victoria replied from the other end of the line. “The freeze orders on all joint and personal accounts go live at 8:00 AM tomorrow. Federal marshals are already briefed regarding the wire fraud. See you in court, Naomi.”
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