I heard Tessa’s voice echoing from the foyer, sharp and commanding.

“You have no jurisdiction inside this residence while federal agents are securing a crime scene,” she said.

A loud argument broke out in the hall.

Ryker closed the laptop and stood up.

He looked at me, his eyes dark with determination.

“The files are safe,” he said. “But Gideon doesn’t know that yet.”

“What do we do now?” I asked.

“We make him think he still has a chance to win,” Ryker said.

He walked over to the window, watching the rain pour down on the gravel driveway.

“Gideon wants the children’s trust fund,” Ryker said. “He wants control of the family board.”

“He’ll do anything to get it,” I said, remembering the cold threat in Gideon’s voice the last time we spoke.

“Exactly,” Ryker said. “He thinks he can use my sister’s death to force me out.”

He turned back to face me.

“I need to contact him,” Ryker said.

“You can’t trust him, Ryker,” I said, stepping closer. “He will trap you.”

“I want him to try,” Ryker said.