The Board Call
Chapter 09 - The Board Call
Walter asked Maria for her phone.
He called Rebecca Sloan, chair of Hayes Continental’s independent board committee.
Rebecca answered on the second ring.
“Walter, dispatch says you were abandoned on the highway.”
“I am safe.”
“Ethan submitted a request for emergency authority twenty minutes ago.”
Madison closed her eyes.
The petition was already moving.
Walter looked at Ethan.
“You filed before police found me.”
Ethan said nothing.
Rebecca continued.
“The request claims you are missing, confused, and refusing care.”
Sergeant Brooks heard every word.
Walter opened June’s suitcase and removed the original trust agreement.
“Rebecca, activate Article Nine.”
Madison stepped forward.
“You cannot do that without a competency review.”
Walter looked at her.
“Article Nine exists for attempted coercion by a family successor.”
Ethan’s face emptied.
Walter had created the clause after a rival company’s founder was forced from control by his children. It automatically suspended any beneficiary who tried to gain authority through false medical claims, threats, or undisclosed transactions.
Rebecca asked for evidence.
Maria transmitted the dashcam clip.
The company vehicle system sent the cabin recording.
Sergeant Brooks confirmed an active investigation.
Rebecca’s voice returned after a brief pause.
“Article Nine is active. Ethan’s voting rights and executive access are suspended.”
May you like
The desert became very quiet.
Ethan lost the company before the sun reached the mountains.
