“What is it?” I asked.

“Vance didn’t just want the cash,” Daniel said. “He wanted the land.”

He shone the light on a specific parcel map of the Concord estate and the surrounding forest.

“I’ve been monitoring Vance’s corporate filings for the last forty-eight hours,” Daniel said.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because he’s been unusually active in the county records office,” Daniel explained.

He leaned over the table, his eyes scanning the ledger’s asset list.

“I saw some pending transfers on the county registry this morning,” Daniel said. “I didn’t understand them then, but now I do.”

“What transfers?” I asked.

“Vance is trying to move fast,” Daniel said. “He knows we are digging.”

He looked at me, his eyes dark with concern.

“I believe he is currently trying to use a forged power of attorney to bypass the board,” Daniel said.

My heart sank. “A power of attorney from whom?”

“From you,” Daniel said. “Or from your mother’s estate.”

“That’s illegal,” I said. “The board would have to approve any land transfer.”

“Not if he presents a document that looks like you signed over control before the dispute began,” Daniel said.