Chapter 7 - WHAT DEREK WAS SUPPOSED TO PHOTOGRAPHDerek requested an attorney.
Then he requested a deal.
The investigation had moved beyond hotel trespass and attempted unlawful recording.
His lawyer wanted to know how much cooperation mattered.
Nora did not attend the interview.
She read the summary afterward.
Derek admitted he had been hired to obtain “reputation-compromising material.”
Not nude images.
Not sexual content.
Something more socially useful.
Medication.
Alcohol.
An argument.
Anything that could be framed as instability.
The bathroom photograph had been chosen because Nora’s migraine prescription came in a small amber bottle.
The client specifically wanted:
the bottle,
Nora’s hand,
the bathroom environment,
and enough of her dress to identify her.
Warren read that twice.
“They didn’t need your face.”
Nora understood.
“Because the dress was photographed all night.”
“Yes.”
Anyone could compare gala photographs.
Emerald gown.
Diamond cuff.
Same woman.
Nora felt sick.
“Why?”
Derek’s statement gave the answer.
The photograph would be sent anonymously to two gossip outlets and one financial blog.
The anonymous caption:
Foundation insider raises concerns over Nora Arden’s erratic behavior and possible substance misuse.
No accusation of illegal drugs.
Just “concerns.”
Enough for board members to ask questions.
Enough for Nora’s review of foundation finances to look personal.
Obsessive.
Unreliable.
Warren set down the report.
“This wasn’t humiliation for entertainment.”
“No.”
“It was strategic.”
Nora’s hands trembled.
“They wanted me discredited.”
“Yes.”
She looked at him.
“Before I could say what I found.”
Warren’s expression sharpened.
“What did you find?”
Nora took a long breath.
Then finally told him.
Eight months earlier, she had joined the Arden Foundation’s finance committee.
The foundation funded rural clinics, addiction treatment programs, and community health initiatives.
Nora took the role seriously.
Too seriously, Celeste joked.
During a quarterly review, Nora found duplicate vendor invoices.
At first she assumed clerical error.
Then another.
And another.
Consulting companies receiving money for vague services.
One vendor appeared repeatedly.
C.A. Strategic Consulting LLC.
Payments totaling nearly three hundred thousand dollars.
“What does C.A. stand for?” Warren asked.
“I don’t know.”
“Owner?”
“Registered agent. Corporate service company.”
“Did you ask Celeste?”
“Yes.”
“What did she say?”
“Routine fundraising consultants.”
“And?”
“There are no reports. No deliverables. No contracts I can find.”
Warren sat back.
“When did Celeste learn you were digging?”
“Two weeks ago.”
“And Derek began following you eight days ago.”
“Yes.”
Silence.
Nora looked toward the window.
“I wanted Ethan to help me.”
“He still can.”
She looked at Warren.
“Do you believe that?”
Warren thought before answering.
“I believe people show you who they are most clearly when believing you costs them something.”
Nora’s throat tightened.
May you like
“And Ethan?”
“I’m waiting to see what he’s willing to pay.”
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