Chapter 4
Celestine hired counsel the following morning.
Her attorney denied wrongdoing.
The statement described the banquet incident as an “unfortunate family dispute.”
According to Celestine, she had been concerned about Agnes’s health for months.
The senior residence was supposedly a compassionate option.
The appraisal visits concerned “future estate planning.”
The bankers were helping with Vincent Rourke’s remaining financial interests.
Vincent had been Damien’s older brother.
Celestine’s husband.
Dead almost three years.
Damien read the statement twice.
“What remaining interests?”
Arthur looked uncomfortable.
“That is what we need to determine.”
Celestine inherited Vincent’s personal assets.
Investment accounts.
Two vacation properties.
A Manhattan condominium.
Cash.
Nothing gave her ownership of Agnes’s land.
Then Arthur found a public financing record.
One of Celestine’s private companies had borrowed eight million dollars from a development lender.
The collateral language included:
anticipated proceeds arising from disposition or encumbrance of Rourke residential property interests.
Damien looked at Arthur.
“What residential property?”
“No parcel specified.”
“She’s borrowing against money she thinks she’ll get from this estate.”
“Possibly.”
“Why?”
The forensic accountant answered two days later.
Celestine had invested heavily in a luxury hospitality project in Miami.
A boutique hotel.
Private residences.
Members-only beach club.
Construction costs had exploded.
The project needed approximately twelve million dollars in additional capital.
If Celestine could not provide her share, she risked losing most of her investment.
Damien understood a financial motive.
But not enough.
“Twelve million explains pressure.”
Arthur nodded.
“It does not explain years of secrecy.”
Agnes looked at both men.
“Then tell him about Vincent.”
Arthur closed his eyes briefly.
Damien turned.
“What about Vincent?”
His mother said:
“Before your brother died, he signed an agreement.”
“What agreement?”
“A settlement.”
Damien stared at Arthur.
The lawyer had represented the family for decades.
Damien had never heard the word.
“What settlement?”
May you like
Arthur opened the old leather briefcase again.
And removed another sealed folder.
