I stepped closer to the glass, looking through the narrow gap between the heavy drapes.

Daniel was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out over the misty lake.

Clara was seated on the leather sofa, her coat still on, her face pale under her makeup.

“What are you saying?” Clara asked, her voice dropping.

“I’m saying the federal investigators are looking for a scapegoat,” Daniel said, turning around slowly.

He took a sip from a glass of amber liquid.

“And you think it should be me?” Clara’s voice trembled.

“You were the one who signed the transfer authorizations for Alder Holdings,” Daniel said. “You were the one who negotiated with Arthur Carter.”

“Under your direct instructions!” Clara stood up, her handbag slipping to the floor. “You told me it was the only way to get Emily out of the picture.”

“My instructions were verbal, Clara,” Daniel said, his tone chillingly polite. “The documents bear your signature.”

“You monster,” Clara whispered.

“I am a businessman trying to survive,” Daniel said. “The U.S. Attorney is going to file charges by the end of the week. If I hand them the files on your late husband’s estate, they will leave my holding company alone.”