“The title was never yours to transfer, Graham,” I said.

“You knew it, Celeste knew it, and Alden knew it,” I said.

Alden Vale bowed his head, staring down at the polished mahogany table.

“She is right,” Alden said.

“Shut up, Alden,” Graham hissed.

“I will not shut up anymore,” Alden said.

“I have spent the last three years carrying the weight of your lies,” Alden said.

“Eleanor trusted me, and I failed her,” Alden said.

“But I will not go to prison for you,” Alden said.

The sound of heavy car doors slamming echoed from the driveway below.

I walked over to the tall sash window and looked out.

Three grey-and-blue state police cruisers were parked on the gravel circle.

Two troopers in wide-brimmed hats were walking up the stone steps.

A third trooper remained by his vehicle, speaking into a shoulder radio.

“They are at the front door,” I said.

Celeste ran her hand through her perfectly styled hair, disheveling it.

“This is a nightmare,” Celeste whispered.

“My reputation in this county will be ruined,” Celeste said.

“Your reputation is the least of your problems,” I said.