Thomas converted his legitimate assets to forms that couldn't be traced or seized. With compound interest over 45 years, they're now worth approximately $28 million. A murmur ran through the room at the figure. And I intend to use that money exactly as Thomas would have wanted to revitalize Riverdale, starting with converting the old mill into a training center for construction and traditional crafts. Ethan looked around the room, meeting the eyes of people who had suffered from William Grant's greed.
"But first, we need to stop Alexander Reed from continuing his father's legacy of exploitation. " "Red's got the town council in his pocket," Davis reminded everyone. "And now he's using the building inspector to force Ethan and Noah out before they can present this evidence publicly. " "Then we don't wait for the council meeting," Martha declared firmly. We take this evidence to the people of Riverdale directly right now. Her suggestion sparked immediate action. The small group dispersed to spread the word throughout town, carrying copies of the financial documents and most damning of all, portable speakers to play Thomas's recording for anyone who would listen.
"Reed will try to stop us," Davis warned as they prepared to leave. "Let him try," Martha replied, her eyes flashing with 45 years of pent up indignation. This town has lived under the grand shadow for too long. As the impromptu coalition headed into town, Ethan and Noah remained at the mansion, preparing for Reed's inevitable response. They didn't have to wait long.
Less than an hour later, Reed's black sedan roared up the driveway, gravel sprang from beneath its tires. The lawyer emerged, his usual composure notably absent, his face flushed with anger. "What have you done? " he demanded, storming onto the porch where Ethan waited. Your people are all over town spreading lies about my father. Not lies, Reed.
Evidence. Thomas's tape recording is particularly convincing, don't you think? Reed's complexion pad slightly. What recording? The one where your father confesses to embezzling millions from Blackwell Steel and threatening Thomas's family if he exposed the truth.
Ethan studied Reed's face. You didn't find it in the seller hiding place, did you? You found other documents but missed the tape. This is slander, Reed hissed. I'll sue you for everything you have.
Go ahead, Ethan invited calmly. Discovery works both ways. All those Monarch Development financial records would make for interesting reading, especially when compared to the funds William Grant embezzled from Blackwell Steel. Reed's composure cracked further. You think you've won?
Parker's condemnation order will be signed this afternoon. You and your brat will be out on the street by sunset. I don't think so, came Sheriff Davis's voice as he mounted the porch steps. Jim Parker has recused himself from this inspection due to a newly discovered conflict of interest. He handed Reed a document.
Seems someone anonymously sent the county commissioner evidence that Parker has been taking payments from Monarch Development for years. The commissioner was quite disturbed. Reed scanned the document, his hands shaking slightly. This changes nothing. The mansion still isn't up to code.