“Their legal team didn’t just cancel the contract,” she continued. “They just filed a massive fraud lawsuit in the county circuit court.”

“Against who?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

“Against Marcus, Warren Bellamy, and every development associate connected to the transfer,” she said. “They are suing for treble damages, alleging civil conspiracy and misrepresentation.”

I looked over at Blake, who was watching me from the edge of the pit.

The wind off the James River was picking up, blowing wet mist across the ridge.

“How bad is it?” I asked.

“It’s ruinous,” Lydia said. “Wexler Stone is claiming millions in lost development costs and reputational damage.”

She told me to stay where I was and said she was heading to Mercer House with the sheriff’s deputies.

I hung up the phone and slipped it into my pocket.

“What did she say?” Blake asked, stepping closer to me.

“The deal is gone,” I said. “Wexler Stone is suing Marcus and Warren for fraud.”

Blake looked down at the rusted iron box in the mud, then at the silver pocket watch in my hand.