“What else is in that file?”
Richard looked directly at his son.
“Proof that someone in this family helped Margaret Hale conceal the money.”
Before Alexander could respond, the study lights went out.
A loud crash came from the hallway.
Richard stood abruptly.
“Stay here.”
But Alexander had already opened the door.
At the end of the corridor, a shadow disappeared through the servants’ staircase.
On the floor lay a broken picture frame.
It contained an old photograph of Richard Whitmore and Daniel Carter standing together outside their first office.
Someone had torn Daniel’s face out of the photograph.
And beneath the shattered glass was a note written in black ink.
STOP LOOKING, OR YOU WILL LOSE MORE THAN YOUR INHERITANCE.
Alexander read it twice.
Then he reached into his pocket and felt the brass key against his fingers.
He had spent his life preparing to inherit a business empire.
Now he was beginning to suspect that the greatest inheritance his father could leave him was a crime.
