Chapter 2: The Titanium Secret
Richard never reached the parking lot.
Two off-duty sheriff's deputies attending the wedding blocked the exit after hearing Daniel's emergency call.
Within twenty minutes, flashing blue lights illuminated the country club.
Guests who had arrived expecting champagne and dancing now watched investigators surround the entrance.
Eleanor remained perfectly composed.
"This is ridiculous," she said.
"My stepson is having some kind of emotional breakdown."
But then Daniel handed detectives a sealed envelope.
Inside was a notarized letter from his father's former attorney.
The attorney had anticipated something like this.
If anything happened to him...
If Daniel ever felt the evidence was in danger...
He was instructed to surrender Sarah's prosthetic directly to law enforcement.
The lead investigator looked at the crushed titanium leg.
"We'll need to dismantle it."
Eleanor folded her arms confidently.
"Go ahead."
"It's only a medical device."
A forensic technician carefully removed several damaged screws.
Nothing appeared unusual.
Another section came loose.
Still nothing.
Then the technician tapped the lower titanium shaft.
"Hollow."
Everyone looked up.
Using a precision cutter, he carefully opened the inner tube.
A tiny waterproof titanium capsule slid onto the evidence table.
The room fell completely silent.
Inside the capsule sat a micro USB drive...
...and three original notarized property transfer documents.
Each carried Daniel's father's genuine signature.
Each was dated weeks before the forged versions Eleanor had submitted to probate court.
The investigator slowly looked toward Eleanor.
"I believe we'll need you to remain here."
May you like
For the first time all evening...
Eleanor looked afraid.
