The False Heir and the Ledger of the Callahan Family Empire
I typed in the numerical string: *337424118274*.
The screen flashed red. *Access Denied.*
I tried another sequence from her ledger—the date of her husband’s death.
*08121999*.
*Access Denied.*
I leaned back in the plastic chair, rubbing my temples.
“Is everything alright?” Vance asked from the door.
“Just trying to organize some financial records,” I said.
I looked back at the screen.
What would Victoria use for the most sensitive file in her possession?
I thought of Adelaide.
During the confrontation at the estate, Adelaide had dropped a hint.
She had mentioned the “error of ninety-six.”
Ninety-six. 1996.
The year Tyler was born.
I typed in Tyler’s exact birthdate followed by the initials of the clinic in Switzerland where he was born.
*04141996CSG*.
The hard drive whirred, a high-pitched spin that vibrated through the metal table.
The dialogue box vanished.
A list of subfolders appeared on the screen.
The first one was titled *Coroner Reports – Non-Disclosed.*
My breath hitched in my throat.
The real Tyler was supposed to be alive, hidden away in a sanitarium, according to the official family narrative.
Why would there be a coroner’s report?