But behind it was the real toxicology screen we had unearthed from the cabin’s hidden floorboard.

High levels of potassium chloride.

Emily hadn’t died of a sudden, tragic heart defect.

She had been systematically poisoned, and Vale had helped cover it up to protect the family.

Next to the file was Caleb’s personal ledger.

It was filled with dates, figures, and the names of offshore accounts belonging to a local maritime syndicate.

My younger brother owed them over two million dollars in gambling debts and bad investments.

Margaret had paid those debts, buying his silence and his absolute loyalty.

He had sold out his own family, helped cover up my wife’s murder, and now he was trying to kill me to keep the secret.

The realization made my stomach turn, a sick mixture of betrayal and fury rising in my throat.

But I had to focus.

They had Sophia, and Sheriff Wade’s deputies would likely take her to the county jail—or worse.

I had no allies left in this town, no one I could call, and no place to hide.