Richard had objected only when Martin began hurting people physically.
Not because Richard had become good.
Because he had become afraid.
“Martin believes property is easier to acquire when families turn on each other,” he said.
Daniel looked away.
Richard continued.
“He studied resentment.
Debt. inheritance.
Addiction.
Marriages.
He built profiles.”
My stomach tightened.
“He chose Daniel because of me.”
“Yes.”
“And Vanessa?”
“Because Daniel wanted to be admired.”
Daniel flinched.
Richard’s eyes moved toward him.
“Martin knew exactly what kind of woman you would trust.”
Vanessa had once made Daniel feel successful.
Important.
Understood.
And in return, he had ignored every sign.
I looked at Richard.
“Where is Martin going?”
Richard smiled.
“Back to the beginning.”
“What does that mean?”
“He wants the ledger Arthur found.”
“We have it.”
“No.”
His smile widened.
“You have a copy.”
I froze.
“The original is somewhere else.”
“Where?”
“Arthur hid it.”
“How would you know?”
“Because he called me.”
That silenced the room.
Richard continued.
“Two weeks before he died.
Said he would give me one opportunity to help destroy what I created.”
My eyes burned.
Arthur had fought an entire war while sleeping beside me each night.
“Where did he hide it?”
Richard looked toward Daniel.
“In the house.”
