Chapter 4 Altered bank records

At the police station, a tired-looking officer handed them a cardboard box. "Sign here," he said, pushing a clipboard toward them.

The laptop was password protected. "Probably his usual one," Kiara said. "Birth year and Mom's name."

Back home, the password worked. Ariana opened the files while Kiara sorted through the papers. Most were routine business documents, but one folder caught Ariana's attention-labeled "SH Projects" with recent dates.

Kiara peered over her shoulder. "SH... Sebastian Harris?"

Ariana opened the files. They contained architectural plans and contracts between Cross Enterprise and Harris Corporation. "Dad was working on one of his projects."

Kiara pointed to a highlighted section. "This says the last payment was delayed. By three months."

Ariana checked the dates. "Right before Dad got arrested." She closed the laptop. "We need to speak to Mr. Harris again."

Kiara bit her lip. "You think he had something to do with this?"

"I think we just agreed to work for someone who might have intentionally shortchanged our father." Ariana reached for her phone. "But first, let's see what his lawyers find."

The next morning, Sebastian's secretary called. "President Harris requests your presence at his office at 2 PM," she said crisply before hanging up.

They arrived exactly on time. Sebastian was reviewing documents when they entered. Without looking up, he said, "Sit."

He finally set the papers down. "My team found discrepancies in the prosecution's evidence. The bank records appear altered."

Ariana leaned forward. "Can you prove it?"

"Given time." Sebastian templed his fingers. "But I discovered your father was working on a major project for my company at the time of his arrest."

Kiara spoke up. "We saw the files. The payment was late."

Sebastian's expression didn't change. "A clerical error. The funds were released this morning." He slid an envelope across the desk. "With interest."

Ariana didn't touch it. "That doesn't explain why he was arrested."

"No," Sebastian agreed. "But it does suggest someone wanted to disrupt our business arrangement." He stood. "My lawyers will handle your father's case. Our original agreement stands-your sister performs at my hostings, you paint the mural."

As they left the building, Kiara clutched the envelope. "This is enough to cover a part of Dad's legal fees for now."

Ariana hailed a cab. "First we pay Martin and his team. Then we find out who really set up Dad-because I don't think it was President Harris."

"Why not?"

"Because if he wanted to hurt us," Ariana said as the cab pulled up, "he wouldn't be helping now."

The cab pulled up outside Martin Cole's law firm, a modest brick building in the older part of downtown. Kiara clutched the envelope from Sebastian Harris tightly as they stepped inside. The receptionist waved them through to Martin's office without a word.

Martin was on the phone when they entered, his suit jacket draped over the back of his chair. He held up a finger, finishing his call before turning to them. "I was just about to call you. The prosecutor's office sent over some additional documents-"

Ariana placed the envelope on his desk. "President Harris gave us this. It's payment Dad was owed, plus interest."

Martin's hand froze halfway to the envelope. "You went to Sebastian Harris?" His voice was carefully controlled.

Kiara shifted in her seat. "We needed help. His lawyers already found inconsistencies in the bank records."

Martin leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. "You should have come to me first. Sebastian doesn't do favors without strings attached."

Ariana met his gaze. "What strings would those be?"

"That's what I'm worried about." Martin finally picked up the envelope, flipping through the checks inside. "This covers a percentage of the legal fees, yes. But what did you promise him?"

"A mural for his corporate office," Ariana said. "And Kiara performing at his gala."

Martin exhaled sharply. "That's it? No other conditions?"

"Not yet."

Martin set the envelope aside. "I'll deposit these, but we're not relying on President Harris. I've been reviewing the case files-the drug trafficking charge is based on an anonymous tip, but the police found nothing in the warehouse."

Kiara frowned. "Then why hasn't that charge been dropped?"

"Because someone wants it there." Martin pulled a file from his drawer. "I also found this-your father was working on a contract dispute for Mr. Harris's company before he was arrested. Nothing major, just delayed shipments."

Ariana took the file. "You think that's connected?"

"I think it's worth looking into." Martin checked his watch. "I have a meeting with the prosecutor in an hour. I'll push to have the drug charge dismissed based on lack of evidence."

As they stood to leave, Martin added, "Stay away from Sebastian Harris."

Outside, Kiara pulled out her phone. "We should check the warehouse anyway. Maybe there's something the police missed."

Ariana nodded.

The bus ride to the industrial district was quiet, both sisters lost in thought. When they arrived, the warehouse stood silent behind its chain-link fence, police tape fluttering in the breeze.

Ariana studied the building. "We're not breaking in. But we can talk to the security guard."

She approached the booth near the gate, where an older man in a uniform sat reading a newspaper.

"Excuse me," she said. "Our father owns this warehouse. We were wondering if you saw anything unusual before the police came."

The guard set his paper down. "You're President Ross's daughters?" At their nod, he sighed. "Only thing unusual was the delivery truck that showed up late that night. Didn't have any paperwork, but the driver insisted it was scheduled."

Kiara's eyes widened. "Did you see what was inside?"

"Didn't get the chance. The police showed up an hour later." He shook his head. "Never seen a raid happen that fast before."

Ariana exchanged a look with Kiara.

-----

The sisters took the bus back to their apartment as evening fell. The familiar streets passed by in a blur of neon signs and headlights. Kiara rested her forehead against the cool glass window while Ariana checked messages on her phone.