Chapter 17 - DAVID’S RECORDING IS AUTHENTICATEDThe file Sterling held had been created six months before David’s death.
Video.
Twenty-three minutes.
David in Sterling’s office.
Metadata matched.
Two witnesses had been present off camera.
Original storage device preserved.
Hash verified by a digital-forensics examiner.
I learned more about video authentication than any widow should.
Sterling asked me:
“Ready?”
“No.”
We played it anyway.
Not publicly.
Conference room.
Me.
Caroline.
Sterling.
Estate counsel.
Eleanor and her attorney.
Chloe and hers.
Independent trustee.
David appeared on screen.
Alive.
Blue tie.
Hair slightly too long.
I made a sound before I could stop myself.
David looked directly at the camera.
“If this is being played, either I have lost an argument with my mother while alive, or I’m dead and she has decided to continue the argument without me.”
Eleanor closed her eyes.
David smiled slightly.
Then became serious.
“I am making this statement because I have reason to believe questions may later be raised about the parentage of Sarah’s pregnancy and the disposition of my estate.”
I stopped breathing.
He had known.
May you like
Not the future.
Eleanor.
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