Chapter 5 - THE CLOUD THAT NEVER FORGOT
The Whitmore family believed they controlled the mansion’s security system.
They did not know Mariana had installed an independent backup after a burglary attempt two years earlier.
Every camera automatically transmitted encrypted recordings to Escalante Security.
Andrew had complained about the expense.
Now that expense became the first witness against him.
Gabriel entered the conference room carrying a secure tablet.
“We recovered the footage from the mansion,” he said.
Mariana watched Brenda enter Margaret’s private sitting room earlier that afternoon.
Brenda looked into the hallway before opening the jewelry cabinet.
She removed the emerald necklace and placed it inside her purse.
Twenty minutes later, another camera showed her entering Mariana’s dressing room.
She searched through several drawers.
Then she stopped when a housekeeper passed the door.
Brenda had intended to plant the necklace among Mariana’s belongings.
She had lost her chance.
Instead, she returned to Margaret’s room and left the empty case open.
Later that evening, she told Margaret that she had seen Mariana near the cabinet.
Margaret accepted the story because she wanted it to be true.
The next recording came from Andrew’s study.
Brenda admitted taking the necklace.
She also admitted giving it to someone.
Helena paused the video.
“This clears you completely.”
“It also proves conspiracy,” Daniel said.
“And it shows Andrew knew the accusation was false after the fact.”
Rafael looked at Mariana.
“We should send this to the police immediately.”
“We will,” Mariana said.
“But first, find out who received the necklace.”
Gabriel enlarged the receipt that had fallen from Brenda’s handbag.
It belonged to a private jewelry broker.
The broker operated discreetly and specialized in loans secured by rare pieces.
Brenda had not hidden the necklace.
She had used it as collateral.
“For how much?” Mariana asked.
“Eight hundred thousand dollars,” Daniel answered.
Margaret had claimed the necklace was priceless.
Brenda had traded it for enough money to maintain her secret lifestyle.
Mariana leaned back in her chair.
“Where did the money go?”
Daniel opened another file.
“Part of it paid for an apartment.”
“Where?”
“Two blocks from Andrew’s office.”
Mariana showed no reaction.
“The rest?”
“A private account in Switzerland.”
Helena understood the implication.
“Brenda was preparing to leave.”
“She was using Andrew,” Rafael said.
Mariana looked at the frozen image of Brenda in the crimson gown.
“Andrew believed he was replacing me.”
“In reality, Brenda was preparing to replace him.”
For a moment, Mariana almost felt pity.
Then she remembered his hand striking her face.
Pity disappeared.
“Send a preservation notice to the jewelry broker,” Mariana ordered.
“Contact the police through Helena.”
“Do not alert Brenda.”
“What about Andrew?” Gabriel asked.
Mariana looked at the time.
It was 3:17 in the morning.
May you like
“He has an emergency board meeting at eight.”
“He just doesn’t know it yet.”
