“I can’t wait,” I said. “If the bank forecloses in thirty days, I need to find the original deed and the partnership agreement. Gavin told me he kept his copies in the study safe.”

“He changed the safe combination last month,” Helen whispered.

I stared at my mother.

“And how do you know that, Mom?” I asked.

She pressed her lips together and didn’t answer.

“I’m coming with you,” Daniel said, shutting his tablet and slipping it into his leather briefcase.

“No,” I said. “Stay here with Evelyn and make sure the police get all the forged signature documents from the office. I need to do this alone.”

I didn’t wait for their objections.

I grabbed my coat from the back of the chair and walked quickly toward the exit.

The night air outside was sharp and tasted of salt.

I got into my SUV and started the engine.

The headlights cut through the darkness of the coastal road as I drove toward Cumberland Avenue.

My mind raced with every turn of the steering wheel.

Gavin’s smug face remained burned into my memory.