The rain began to patter against the windshield, the drops heavy and loud.

“Whose are they using?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“Yours,” Alden said.

I stared at him, stunned.

“I never signed anything giving Graham authority over my share,” I said.

“I know you didn’t,” Alden said. “But they have a document that says you did. It has your signature on it, dated six months ago.”

“It’s a forgery,” I said.

“Of course it is,” Alden said. “But it looks perfect. It was notarized.”

“By whom?” I asked.

Alden didn’t answer immediately.

He looked down at his lap, his fingers twitching.

The realization hit me like a cold wave.

“You,” I said. “You notarized it.”

Alden closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the headrest.

“Graham threatened my family,” he whispered. “He has records of my firm’s escrow accounts. If those go public, I lose everything.”

“You helped him steal my inheritance,” I said.

“I haven’t submitted it to the land registry yet,” Alden said, opening his eyes. “That’s why I called you. I wanted to warn you before he forces my hand.”