“And it became a federal matter when he used forged documents to move funds across state lines.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked.

“Your husband’s broker, Donald Vance, has been cooperating with a state licensing probe,” Mr. Voss said.

“I spoke with the investigator an hour ago.”

“Vance has been maintaining two sets of books for Dorian’s transactions.”

“The receipt Maren just found in the truck matches the secondary ledger.”

“Dorian was hiding money from you, too, Mrs. Pike.”

My mother looked down at the gravel, her hand falling away from her throat.

“No,” she whispered.

“He told me the money was going into a trust for Brielle.”

“There is no trust for Brielle,” Mr. Voss said flatly.

“The funds were transferred to an account under Dorian’s name only, registered in Delaware.”

Brielle gasped, turning to her mother.

“Mom! You said he was taking care of me!”

“He was!” my mother yelled, her voice cracking in the cold air.

“He promised me!”

“He lied to you,” I said.

“Just like he lied about my father’s wishes.”

“He used you to get to the properties, and now he’s going to prison.”