“The press will have a worse day if we cover it up,” I said. “The estate will cover the cost of the audit.”

“Marcus, do you have the authorization papers ready?”

Marcus nodded and pulled a blue folder from his leather briefcase. “I have the standard petition for an extraordinary audit,” Marcus said.

“Under section four of the foundation bylaws, a major beneficiary can trigger this review if there is evidence of asset diversion.” “This letter, combined with the ledger sheets, constitutes sufficient evidence.”

Grant took a step toward me. “Emma, think about what you are doing,” he said, his voice dropping to a low whisper. “This will destroy the foundation.”

“It will destroy everything your family built.”

“No,” I said, looking him in the eye. “It will only destroy you.”

Helen Caldwell cleared her throat, a dry, rasping sound. She leaned forward, her pearls catching the grey light from the window.

“Let us not act in haste,” Helen said, her voice dripping with artificial warmth. “Emma, you are grieving.”

“You have been through so much since Miriam passed.” “Sometimes, grief makes us see enemies where there are only friends trying to help.”