Chapter 7 - A Deal with a Stranger

Mara told Evelyn not to respond. She forwarded the message to Deputy Torres and requested the image be preserved. "A threat against evidence changes the situation," she said.

"What about the girl?" Evelyn asked.

"That's my first concern too."

Ryan came to the office alone. Snow melted off his boots onto the dark rug. Evelyn looked older than he remembered, but her eyes were steady.

"I'm sorry about the invitations," he said.

"I needed you to know more than that."

He sat opposite her. "I'm listening."

She told him about the fraudulent listing, the doctored deed, and the strange message. He listened without interrupting until Mara brought up the missing ledgers.

"Mom," Ryan asked, "why did Dad keep a record of money he gave me?"

"Because he believed clarity would protect our relationship someday. He loved you. That's why he wanted everything in writing."

"I thought you were preparing to cut me out."

"You thought that because Natalie told you I was. You never asked me."

Ryan rubbed his face. "She said you planned to sell the house."

"I have considered moving somewhere smaller. I also planned to establish a housing fund in Paul's name. Those are not crimes against you."

He wanted to protest but couldn't find an honest reason.

Outside, a black sedan rolled past the office twice. Mara noticed and called the deputy. Ryan saw the second pass. The driver wore a brown cap.

"That's him," he said.

Mara moved Evelyn away from the window. The sedan accelerated before Torres could arrive.

Ryan called Natalie. "Did you give Derek Mom's lawyer's address?"

"No."

"Then how did he find us?"

A pause. "I sent him a picture of the business card when you left it at the diner."

"Why?"

"He told me he could fix this."

Ryan's voice broke. "You keep giving him everything he asks for."

"He said if I don't pay by Friday, he'll tell you why I borrowed from him in the first place."

For the first time, Natalie sounded frightened rather than angry.

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"Then tell me first," Ryan said.

She whispered, "I used your father's name."