Swindled (22 page)

Chapter 38

Once the room cleared all three of the lawyers seemed to sigh in relief. The ex-wives were all muttering about contesting the estate and dragged their heels trying to find out what more the lawyers might say to Brian’s family. Everyone in the boardroom stayed quiet until the door was shut and there was no chance of being over heard. The head of the legal team took a deep breath and looked at Beth and Vickie.

“This is an unusual situation,” he said pausing and then continued, “Simply put two weeks ago Brian moved the last of his properties, his fortune, his shares and his homes back under the name of the Trust which was set up by his mother. He basically made himself a poor man and transferred it all over the last few years. This was unprecedented. Until that time only the barest minimum was kept in the Trust.” The lawyer paged through a document.

“Were you aware that Brian had a Trust? One set up by his mother Alison Taylor?” he asked looking up from his paper work to eye the sisters. He waited for them to respond.

“Yes we did know about Brian’s Trust,” Beth said as Vickie nodded.

“Did you know about the provision in the trust should the heir pass away?” he asked watching them.

“No,” Vickie said looking at Beth and back at the three lawyers. Scott leaned forward and David raised an eyebrow. This was an interesting development.

“At the time she set up the trust, Alison Taylor named the child or children of herself and her husband Charles Grant as the benefactor/s. In this case, Brian Grant inherited until such time as his death. At his death, the Trust reverted back to Alison Taylor’s original bequeath. The bequeath states that should no such child or children survive, the trust must then go to the children of herself
or
her husband, Charles Grant.” The room grew silent. Beth and Vickie sat shocked.

“Why would she do that? She couldn’t have known that our father would remarry and have children. Or that she wouldn’t be around,” Beth said confused.

The lawyer placed his glasses down on the table. “It was very clear at the time of creating the Trust, Alison Taylor was aware that her cancer had returned. She lasted eight years more but it was an uphill struggle. Alison must have known that she might not survive. She would have been aware that her husband might remarry.”

“But surely she would have assumed that Brian would have survived and would inherit?” Scott asked.

“When she set up the trust it may have been her intention to have that trust provide for any additional children her husband would have as well as Brian,” the lawyer sitting to the right of the senior partner answered. It was the first time he had spoken. All three lawyers looked decidedly uncomfortable and were nearly fidgeting in their seats. For top barristers this was the equivalent of jumping up on a bar and doing a pole dance as far as Beth was concerned. There was more here then met the eye.

“What do you mean?” Vickie asked. She also looked suspiciously at the legal team.

“When Brian came of age to inherit, he took the Trust originators to court. He wanted to clarify what he felt was a clerical error when the Trust was created,” the lawyer paused. “Basically, he set out to ensure that there would be no provisions given to the two of you.”

“Why?” Beth asked. “We wouldn’t have asked for anything from the Trust. It was created for Brian by his mother. It didn’t have anything to do with us.”

“Originally, the trust read that the benefactor/s would be the child of herself and / or her husband,” the senior partner answered. “Brian challenged it in court saying that Alison would not have been aware of other children. He ascertained that his mother had meant the child/children she had at the time. Not the children of his father and another woman.”

“He won the case and the wording was legally changed. It made clear that Brian was the benefactor unless he died and the Trust would then revert to any other children your father may have sired,” the other lawyer concluded.

“Was that legal, to change the wording of the Trust?” Scott asked.

“There was no challenge to Brian’s claims.” The lawyer responded “Charles Grant was aware of the dispute but made it clear that he was not going to contest the situation.”

“That makes sense,” Beth said to Vickie. “Dad wouldn’t have wanted to turn Brian against the family. Well any more then he already was,” Beth was also aware that the original will was what Brian had shown to Michael. That was why their accountant was so sure they had money. That sneak. Everything was starting to fall into place. She looked at her sister and could see that Vickie had also figured it out.

Much of the rest of the meeting passed in a blur. It was hard to get their minds around everything that was happening. In a week from being heavily in debt to slightly successful lingerie developers to wealthy trust fund babies. It was a lot to take in.

Chapter 39

“Becoming trust fund babies isn’t nearly as much fun as it sounds,” Beth said with a sigh as she put down yet another document that the lawyers insisted they sign.

“If I see another lawyer or another lawyer’s office this week I’m going to scream,” Vickie agreed looking grumpy. “Really loudly,” she added as she leaned back in her chair rubbing a hand over her very large belly. The last few days had been filled with a mess of legal papers and lawyers offices. There was apparently a lot to sort through, the sisters weren’t impressed. Once again they were cleaning up Brian’s mess.

“On the plus side though,” Beth said. “With the rent from Brian’s properties and the allowance we get from the trust fund, we can shop as much as we want.”

“That is nice,” Vickie agreed nodding and shifting in her seat. ‘Of course getting to the shops is proving to be a little problem at the moment.” Vickie was more then ready for the baby to arrive, the extra weight making no position comfortable for her for very long. Beth smiled at her fondly. She was pleased, despite all the complaints about the paperwork, because life had just fallen into place over the past few days. To be honest, Beth thought, after she considered it, the biggest issue the sisters faced now was that there was too little time to actually get out and enjoy their new found wealth.

“Hey it could be worse,” Beth said in a bid to cheer her gloomy sister up.

“Oh this should be good,” Vickie said with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

“There’s always internet shopping,” Beth replied giving a cheeky grin back at her rather rotund twin. Vickie picked up one of the pillows from the couch she was sitting on and tossed it at her sister, laughing.

Life was getting into a routine. Scott was working a great deal of hours to collect time off for when the baby arrived. He and Vickie decided that he would keep working despite the windfall from the Trust. It was important they decided, that Scott maintained his own identity and he enjoyed his career. Scott and Vickie were happy with the safety net of money but even happier that they had their own identities within the marriage.

David was also working a great deal of the time. His retirement, while officially initiated, was still in its final stages so there were the occasional events he had to turn up to. He was also getting more immersed in his business. David and Pete seemed to be taking the business world by storm. They were very much in demand and, between the actual projects and development work, David was a very busy man. Beth loved it.

Beth loved having him come home from being out working in the day. She loved that his hours were flexible so sometimes he would be back for lunch and work from home. Other times he would leave later so they could enjoy a morning together. Their relationship got stronger with each passing day. Whatever the time of day or night, when David got back from work Beth would be swept into an embrace. Inevitably they would find themselves in compromising positions. It was an easy life and one that both of them seemed to thrive.

*

David hung up the phone satisfied. They got the deal. He leaned back in his chair and watched Pete who was sitting on the other side of the desk.

“So they’re going for it?” Pete asked with a raised eyebrow. He was leaning back in his chair with his ankle resting on his right knee. There was no doubt in his voice.

“Yup they’re going for it,” David said giving Pete a contented grin. David never had a doubt in his mind that it would work. A snicker made him look toward the built in shelves to the left of his office. Thomas was leaning up against them doing his best suave and debonair. They had all gathered in his office for this call. Once the deal came through their business would be in the green.

“Did you have any doubt, Pete?” Thomas asked Pete as they watched David grin smugly back at them.

“What that our illustrious partner wouldn’t be able to convince some poor hapless sod that he should hire us at full price? Nope, no doubt at all,” Pete agreed with a laugh.

“The fact that the guy is a manic rugby fan didn’t help at all of course,” Thomas said looking at the ceiling in mock despair.

“Hey what ever works,” David replied with an even wider grin.

“Even with this deal we are going to be tight on money.” Thomas said moving closer to the desk to perch himself on the corner. He adjusted the cuff of his suit so that the mandatory inch of shirt sleeve showed underneath.

“We’ll make it,” David replied shortly pulling the papers on his desk toward him. He didn’t want to talk about it. Thomas was a phenomenal numbers man but this one particular issue cut just too close to the bone. David didn’t want to discuss it, didn’t want to even think about it.

“Maybe, probably but we’re overextending,” Thomas said seriously ignoring David’s attempt to put an end to the conversation. “Between the money we’re spending on new development projects and the stuff we’re already doing, we’re tight until some of the clients start paying us. We need the extra capital.”

“I can dissolve a few of my bonds or sell some stock,” David said lifting a shoulder. He paged through folder from his desk ignoring both Thomas’s raised eyebrow and Pete’s grin. Pete was sitting back in his chair happily watching Thomas and David fight it out. This had been an ongoing discussion for the past week.

“Why don’t you just pursue a case against the estate,” Thomas asked sounding mildly exasperated.

“It’s not important. I have plenty of money,” David replied shortly.

“
They
have plenty of money,” Thomas insisted turning to look even more closely at David.

“So have I,” David replied in a matter a fact tone of voice, looking back up at his friend. He really didn’t want to discuss it or his motivation for feeling the way he did.

“But some of their money is your money,” Pete said reasonably, entering the foray. Both he and Thomas were watching David closely, their faces serious. David couldn’t understand why they just didn’t get it. Why couldn’t they leave it alone he wondered?

“Everything I have is Beth’s. Nothing else matters,” David said knowing he was fairly roaring as he stood, finally frustrated that they were pushing the issue so strongly. He froze. What?

“Uh huh,” Thomas said with a grin. He glanced at Pete and they exchanged a nod both standing up and heading toward the door.

“About time you figured it out,” Pete said with a snicker as he and Thomas left. David picked up a paperweight from his desk and threw it toward them but they managed to shut the door in time. It fell with a clatter harmlessly to the floor as David sank into his chair again. He could hear the bark of laughter from his friends as they left him to think about what he just said to them. Had he meant what he said? Yes, without a doubt, David realised. He would willingly give her everything, no questions asked.

David turned and looked out the window of his office. He couldn’t imagine a life without Beth in his life. A smile slowly crept over his face. In fact, a life with Beth in it was something he looked forward to with a great deal of glee. They were meant to be together.

*

Chapter 40

Two days later, despite their protests, Beth and Vickie found themselves begrudgingly in their lawyers’ offices once again. It was a clear day outside which gave an ominous chill to the air as they were ushered into the main boardroom. Beth looked around at the thick wooden table, the elegant chairs and the two nervously smiling junior partners who loitered by the door ready to attend to either sister’s tiniest need. This room was a far cry from the usual cluttered office the sisters had become so accustomed to when there was decidedly less money behind them. Beth found it amusing how quickly times had changed. Before she could even smirk in her sister’s direction, the doors were thrust open and the junior partners jumped aside for the three senior partners who strode inside.

“Good morning ladies,” the most senior of the trio was quick to say as the three men settled in chairs to the left of the room. He cleared his throat and glancing at the door which had been gently shut behind the departing lesser staff members.

“As you know, as part of your inheritance you are legally joint senior partners in Brian’s business.” He raised his eyebrow. Beth and Vickie glanced at one another and then slowly nodded.

“Knowing your brother and the various situations he was apt to getting himself into,” the Partner paused drawing Beth’s attention back to him as he cleared his throat with an embarrassed glance at his colleagues, “we all felt it would be prudent to have an assessment made of Brian’s business by an independent consultancy and auditor. The organisation that was hired to review Brian’s business is well known, efficient and reputable. They were given access to the company documentation and site two days ago and this morning asked for an urgent meeting with all of us.” The lawyer did not look comfortable as he explained.

Before anyone could get into any further discussion, the consultants arrived. With them was a man who looked, if Beth were feeling truly unkind, like Toad of Toad Hall meets Sherlock Holmes. He was tiny, dressed to the nines in a grey pinstriped suit with a navy blue executive coat thrown over an arm. His eyes took in the room, its occupants and the layout with one sweeping glance and Beth had no doubt that he would remember it all in detail for years to come. Despite his small size, he looked like a man who could strike terror in the hearts of business professionals everywhere. Beth smiled quietly to herself. This was going to be fun.

After initial reintroductions, the consultants wasted no time in explaining the presence of the Toad, Andrew Jones. He was a government auditor. One who specialised in fraud and money laundering.

“This morning we conducted a raid on your late brother’s business,” he started. Beth and Vickie both gasped. Hang on Beth thought, this sounds serious.

“A raid?” Beth asked confused. What was going on now? She glanced at the lawyers who were still looking very uneasy.

“The consultants that you hired became aware that there were issues with the business within hours of their arrival. Over the past two days they have explored the degree to which they and you needed to be concerned,” Andrew paused significantly and then continued, “In short, the business is in serious trouble. There are funds missing, unexplained monetary contributions to and from the business and a number of dubious business processes..” Andrew was succinct and clear. He looked serious and larger then life even though in actuality he was a small man.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were going to be raiding the offices?” Vickie asked puzzled. Beth had to agree. It seemed like there was a lot going on behind the scenes that the sisters, also known as the senior partners, were unaware of.

“There was a question of how involved you might be,” Andrew said without apology. His gaze was direct and he didn’t shift as he spoke directly to them. This was not a man ashamed of himself or his profession. He was making no apologies for the fact they had seriously considered the twins might be criminals.

“I see,” Vickie replied and slowly turned her head to give Beth a pointed look. Okay it looked like Beth’s bad luck streak was back. Beth closed her eyes for a moment and held her breath.

“After investigation and from the evidence that your consultants uncovered during their initial review, it was obvious that neither of you nor Scott Stephens could be involved,” Andrew continued with a slight bow in their direction. If Beth didn’t know better she would have thought he was enjoying this. She could feel her back muscles relax slightly with the knowledge that this wouldn’t be yet another crime lumped on her shoulders. Next to her Vickie looked outwardly relieved and colour was back in her cheeks.

“What have you found out?” Beth asked curious now that she and Vickie were breathing calmly again.

“Our auditing team raided Brian’s offices this morning in order to establish if anyone else was involved. We found a great deal of evidence that this was a long term plan which involved quite a few of the management of your brother’s, and now your, firm,” Andrew replied meeting Beth’s eye. By raid, Beth figured he meant a group of suits showed up in the offices this morning to demand everyone put down their pens and hand over their files, a bit like school exams. Andrew Jones enjoyed his job. As he went on to explain what had taken place, he confirmed that he had indeed led the raid. Beth could see his eyes positively light up as he discussed it. Raids were no doubt one of the perks of his job.

“Having looked through everything, the only avenue of action left that I can recommend is to sell off the assets of the business in order to pay back the IOUs. As it is we may not be able to cover all of them,” the senior partner sighed as he looked back through the record in front of him.

“I concur,” their senior consultant didn’t look anymore pleased as she nodded her agreement. They had reached the end of the line. Beth reached forward and looked through the lists of people and companies that Brian had swindled. It was staggering.

As she turned the page a name jumped out at her. Beth felt like everyone was talking far away from where she was, she tuned out of the discussions going on around her completely. There was David’s name. Beth didn’t know why she was surprised. He had mentioned it when he arrived at the funeral. What he hadn’t mentioned was just how much money Brian had taken from David. If that was one example of what they would have to try and pay back, there was no way the company assets were going to be able to cover the debt. Beth felt a flickering of doubt. Was David so interested in her because of the money? Did he think that by being close to her that he would be more likely to get back what he was owed? No, Beth put her thoughts aside. She could trust him. Shaking her head, Beth focused back on the conversation at hand.

“What about the trust?” she asked as Vickie glanced her way. “Shouldn’t that money be used to cover the debt?” It was a question that had to be asked and Beth felt like it was hanging there in the air as a possible way out for all of them. “Surely the government at the least would seize the accounts?” She looked at Andrew Jones who shook his head.

“Had it been private accounts it could have been seized but as part of a trust it is arguable that the money there had nothing to do with Brian’s business,” he replied. “As for doing the right thing, I firmly believe that the much of the money that is in the trust is actually legitimate. The evidence, and I can not go into a great deal of detail, but the evidence suggests that the money that Brian took was used as part of a laundering scam. It is highly likely that had he been alive, the money that Brian took would be back in the accounts in addition to the money that he was introducing into the system. The Trust money would have remained as is.”

“Liquidation of company will pay most of the debt,” the consultant chimed in. “there are a great deal of assets and its likely that another company might buy out his overseas offices which will cover any remaining debt. The costs will be recouped but it may take some time.” Beth felt herself blow a small sigh of relief. That was good news if it all worked out. Anyway she reasoned with herself they could always use the trust money to pay things back if everything else failed.

When the sisters got home, they cornered Scott and David to tell them what had happened. With all the details at hand it now made sense why Brian reactivated the Trust. It was his safety net. The money in it, had he been caught, couldn’t be touched. All they could do was take his company, leaving Brian with a nice nest egg to live off. The only reason Beth and Vickie got the money is that the Trust reverted to Brian’s mother’s original wishes.

“I would just avoid eating or drinking anything given to you by one of his ex-wives or girlfriends,” Stephen said as he shoved another chip in his mouth.

“Why?” Beth asked watching suspiciously as Stephens eyes lit up.

“Well if he had thought about it, he probably would have changed the Trust to match his will,” Stephen explained trying not to smile. “Well it would mean that the vultures would even now be enjoying your new found wealth instead of us.” David, Beth and Vickie started to laugh.

“Okay so we check any gifts from any of them for booby traps,” Beth said nodding.

“And test all food and drink for arsenic,” Vickie agreed solemnly causing everyone to laugh again.

Despite all the problems, Brian’s business turned out to be the only downside of the entire inheritance issue. Because there was nothing the sisters could do to help with the situation even the business problems weren’t a big downside. Everything seemed to be fitting into place. Scott teased Vickie about her waddling. Beth found herself tripping over David’s bag every time she headed into the bedroom. The fact that David would usually witness her flying through the air and in one case even caught her was just insult to injury. Beth had not managed to convince him that normally she was not accident prone, quite the opposite in fact.

Consolation for her less then elegant bedside manner usually involved lots of laughing and the shedding of various articles of clothing. It was really no hardship at all. Beth even felt herself begin to wonder if she was in love. It seemed too soon but she couldn’t find any other way of explaining how she felt about him. David had become a regular fixture in the house, one that Beth had to admit she was quite getting use to. She often would find herself listening for him in the evenings when he would normally arrive home. It felt right that he stayed. As for why he stayed, well he and Scott seemed to think that without them the sisters would be knee deep in murder cases. Neither sister could come up with a good argument to contradict them. So far the twins had not managed to extract Beth from being a key suspect in Brian’s murder.