She left the room and returned a minute later with two thick, leather-bound books.

They were covered in a thin layer of white dust.

Lydia took the ledgers and began flipping through the pages.

“These show every transaction Marcus made over the last three years,” Lydia said.

“He was moving money into an offshore account in the Caymans,” Lydia said.

“Can the state recover those funds?” I asked.

“With a federal injunction, yes,” Lydia said.

“But it will take time,” Lydia added.

“We have to stop the auction first,” I said.

“The county court opens at eight tomorrow morning,” Lydia said.

“I will file an emergency injunction to halt all sales related to the Mercer estate,” Lydia said.

“Thank you, Lydia,” I said.

“Do not thank me yet,” Lydia said, packing her scanner into her briefcase.

“We still have a long way to go in court,” Lydia said.

She put on her coat and walked to the front door.

“Get some sleep,” Lydia said. “I will call you from the courthouse.”

After Lydia left, the house felt incredibly quiet.

The grandfather clock in the hall ticked slowly.