Chapter 7 - The Memorial Scheme
The Lake Geneva Yacht Club was lavishly decorated in white lilies and black silk drapery. The Whitfield family had spare no expense—ironically funded by credit advances taken out against their expected inheritance.
Dozens of wealthy local patrons, business partners, and local reporters filled the banquet hall. Marlene stood near the entrance dressed in an elaborate black designer gown, dabbing dry eyes with a lace handkerchief while accepting condolences and financial envelopes from sympathetic guests.
"Our dear Brooklyn was so fragile, so burdened by her past," Marlene told a reporter from the local newspaper, sighing theatrically. "Bradley is completely inconsolable. His only solace is establishing a foundation in her honor to support mental health awareness."
Behind her, Cory and Vivien were mingling near the bar, sipping expensive champagne and discussing their upcoming real estate plans. Bradley stood near a large portrait of Brooklyn placed on an easel next to the podium, adjusting his cufflinks and rehearsing his eulogy.
Outside the club's marina, a black town car pulled quietly into the VIP parking lot. Inside the vehicle sat Brooklyn, dressed in an impeccably tailored navy suit, her hair sleek and her posture commanding. Beside her, Winston closed his laptop after receiving a text from the Walworth County District Attorney and the lead state investigator.
"The arrest warrants have been signed, Brooklyn," Winston said quietly. "Federal wire fraud, conspiracy to commit murder, filing false police reports, and attempted grand larceny. The state police are positioned at every exit."
Brooklyn took a deep breath, looking at her reflection in the rearview mirror. The tired, timid diner waitress who had apologized for protecting her own savings was gone. In her place stood a woman who had survived the icy depths and emerged unbreakable.
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"Let's go," Brooklyn said. "It's time to attend my own funeral."
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