“Vale is a highly skilled attorney,” Richard said. “He knows exactly how to make a lie look like a court order.”

He walked back to his desk and picked up his phone.

“We need someone who can see through his tricks,” Richard said. “Someone who isn’t afraid of the Whitmore name.”

He scrolled through his contacts and tapped a name.

“Nora,” Richard said into the receiver. “I need you at the house. Now.”

He listened for a moment, his eyes meeting mine.

“It’s about the Whitmore estate,” Richard said. “We have a live login on a dead man’s account from Vale’s office.”

There was a brief pause before Richard spoke again.

“Good. I’ll have the gate open for you.”

He hung up the phone and set it face down on the desk.

“Who is Nora?” I asked.

“Nora Singh,” Richard said. “She is the sharpest defense attorney in Connecticut. She doesn’t care about social standing or old money.”

“Will she help me?” I asked. “I don’t have any money to pay her.”

“You don’t need money,” Richard said. “Nora is on my personal retainer. Her time is already paid for.”