Chapter 19 - THE NAME ABOVE THEM ALL
Thomas Ward was not an unknown politician.
He was one of the most powerful men in the state.
Former attorney general.
Three-term senator.
National television appearances.
Charity boards.
Corporate connections.
And, according to Richard’s notebook, the hidden financial partner behind Morgan’s development company.
Detective Bennett warned Claire.
“A photograph proves nothing.”
Ethan pointed toward the notebook.
“There are account numbers.”
Bennett nodded.
“And we’ll investigate them.”
The investigation moved quietly.
No media.
No public accusations.
Federal investigators traced shell corporations listed by Richard.
Three connected back to Ward’s longtime business manager.
Two were linked to Morgan Development Holdings.
Another had transferred money to Victor Cole.
Then investigators found the most important connection.
A payment made five years earlier.
Three hundred thousand dollars.
Recipient.
Richard Parker.
The date was two weeks before Richard first met Claire.
Claire stared at the evidence.
“Ward paid Richard to approach me.”
Bennett nodded.
“Looks that way.”
Richard’s marriage to Claire had been part of something bigger from the beginning.
Ward’s people wanted information about Samuel.
Samuel controlled land necessary for the Denver development.
When Samuel refused to sell, pressure increased.
When Samuel died, Claire inherited control.
Richard’s job changed.
Become Claire’s husband.
Gain access.
Wait.
Then remove the obstacle.
Ethan sat silently.
Claire noticed.
“What are you thinking?”
“Richard said Ethan was real.”
Claire understood what he meant.
Perhaps Richard had been paid to enter their lives.
Perhaps the marriage began as a lie.
But somewhere along the way, Richard had developed some genuine attachment.
That attachment had not been enough to stop him.
And that mattered.
Bennett closed the file.
“We have enough for warrants.”
The raids began at dawn.
Federal agents searched Ward’s campaign office.
His private residence.
His business manager’s offices.
By afternoon, television stations were reporting the investigation.
Ward appeared outside his home.
“This is a political attack built on the lies of convicted criminals.”
Then a reporter asked about Samuel Parker.
Ward’s expression changed for less than a second.
But Ethan noticed.
The next morning, Ward announced he would cooperate.
By evening, he attempted to leave the country aboard a private aircraft.
Federal agents stopped the plane before takeoff.
Ethan watched the news beside Claire.
Ward was escorted away.
Claire turned off the television.
“It’s over.”
May you like
Ethan wanted to believe her.
This time, he almost did.
