“I found the paperwork, Colonel,” I said.

The line went silent for three long seconds.

The only sound was the static of the connection and the steady wipe of his windshield wipers.

“What paperwork?” Hayes asked.

“My death certificate,” I said. “Signed by you. Dated tomorrow.”

I heard a sharp intake of breath on the other end.

“Natalie, whatever you found, it isn’t what it looks like,” Hayes said quickly. “They are monitoring my communications. I had to sign those forms to keep them from acting sooner. To buy you time.”

“Who is ‘them’?” I asked.

“Trust no one,” Hayes said, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “Not your father. Not the people he brings to that house. And especially not your mother.”

“My mother?” I asked.

“She knows more than she lets on,” Hayes said. “Just get Madison and leave. I am driving to the estate now. I will meet you at the south gate in twenty minutes.”

“How do I know I can trust you?” I asked.

“You don’t,” Hayes said. “But I am the only one who can get you past the perimeter guards if they lock down the road.”