I forwarded the audio file to my attorney, Arthur, along with a brief message.

*We have the confession. Proceed with the transition plan for tomorrow night.*

My phone buzzed almost immediately in reply.

It was not Arthur.

It was a text from the event coordinator for the Dallas Real Estate Gala.

*Ms. Vance, the seating arrangements for the Apex Realty VIP table are finalized.*

*Your nameplate has been placed at the center of the dais.*

I stared at the screen, my heart beating in a steady, cold rhythm.

Then, the landline on the kitchen counter began to ring.

It was a number I did not recognize, but the caller ID showed the name of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.

I answered the receiver.

“This is Jocelyn Ralston,” I said.

“Mrs. Ralston, this is Deputy Miller,” a dry, flat voice replied. “We have a process server attempting to locate your husband, Graham Ralston, regarding a writ of execution on his commercial accounts.”

I leaned against the cool granite of the kitchen counter.

“He is not at home, Deputy,” I said. “But he will be attending the Dallas Real Estate Gala at the Ritz-Carlton tonight.”