I position myself at the main table, Marisol on my left, an outside investigator named Joseph Sands on my right. Corin takes a seat in the back, deliberately unobtrusive. He’s there as an observer, nothing more.
This is my show.
And what a show it’s going to be.
Xavier walks in, notices the disclosure signage, and barely glances at it. Of course he doesn’t read it carefully. Men like him never do. They assume the fine print doesn’t apply to them.
“Ms. Khan. Ms. de la Cruz.” He nods to each of us, then looks at Joseph expectantly.
“Mr. Sands,” Joseph explains. “I’m an outside investigator.”
“I see.” Xavier spots Corin and his smile tightens almost imperceptibly. “And Mr. Saelinger. I wasn’t expecting such a fullhouse for an informal discussion. I was told this would be a ‘conciliatory’ meeting.”
“It will be, we just wanted to ensure all relevant parties were present,” I say smoothly. “Please, have a seat.”
He does. Adjusts his cuffs. Crosses one leg over the other.
So comfortable.
So profoundly unaware that he’s about to incriminate himself on a live recording.
“Before we begin,” I say, sliding a document across the table, “I need you to acknowledge that you’ve seen and understood the notice posted at the entrance regarding audio and visual recording of these proceedings.”
Xavier waves a hand. “I have nothing to hide. Let’s get on with it.”
He signs the document without even reading it.
Exhibit C: Xavier Laurent’s signature on a consent form. Witness notes his complete failure to exercise due diligence.
“Wonderful.” I flip open my legal pad. “Let’s start with some clarifying questions.”
For the next twenty minutes, I walk him through the setup. Easy questions. Foundation history. His tenure on the board. The nature of his relationship with Corin.
Xavier answers smoothly, probably wondering why I’m wasting his time with this.
Patience, Mr. Laurent. I’m building the trap.
I can feel Corin’s eyes on me from the back of the room. They ground me.
“Now,” I say, “I’d like to discuss some specific documents that have come to our attention.”
I produce the forged board memo dated March 15 from five years ago. Slide it across the table. “Can you identify this?”
Xavier barely glances at it. He shrugs. “Appears to be a foundation board memo.”
“Specifically, a memo authorizing certain land acquisition activities on Eleuthera. Activities that would result in the displacement of local families.”
He shrugs. “The foundation has various investment strategies. I’m not familiar with every internal document. Considering I’m not even on the board anymore. As you know.”
“Right. You’re not on the board.” I tap the document. “So you wouldn’t have any reason to know about this memo. Or to have created it.”
“Correct.” He flashes that oily grin.
I return his smile coldly. “And you certainly wouldn’t have forged Mr. Saelinger’s signature on a document authorizing land purchases through shell companies you control.”
His eyes narrow. “I don’t know what you’re implying.”
“I’m not implying anything. I’m establishing that you claim no knowledge of this memo.” I pull it back and replace it with the Windward Solutions formation documents. “Now let me show you something you definitely do know about.”
