The knowledge hurt. It also helped. Unique pain can feel impossible to address because it seems to exist outside language. Recognizable patterns can be fought.
“I don’t want to destroy him,” I said, though even as I said it, I wasn’t sure whether the statement came from conviction or reflex. “But I want him stopped.”
Miriam steepled her fingers. “Those are not mutually exclusive. The real question is leverage.”
Over the next two hours, she built a strategy with the precision of a general arranging supply lines. Immediate revocation of the power of attorney. Formal notice to Desmond and any counsel representing him or the proposed buyer that he lacked authority to act for me. Emergency letters to corporate counsel, board members, and lenders clarifying governance. A forensic audit of account activity. Preparation of civil claims. Preservation notices for texts, emails, meeting notes, acquisition documents, and any communications with Prestige Auto Consortium.
“And,” she said, “we quietly prepare criminal referrals without filing them yet.”
I stared at her.