Chapter 13: On Camera

I used the key card on the family office door at nine in the morning, and the lock opened for me.

The corridor outside was lined with portraits of Ashcroft men.

I walked past all of them without slowing down.

The house staff stood against the wall to let me pass, and none of them stopped me.

Leander walked half a pace behind my shoulder, watching the doors.

Helen sat behind the long desk with the trust ledgers spread in front of her. She did not look surprised.

"Marin," she said. "You really must learn to knock."

"I came for the vault papers."

"What vault papers?"

"The ones you signed out last Tuesday."

Helen folded her hands. "My dear, you're upset.

I took family documents to keep them safe while the house is unsettled.

Nothing more."

"Then show me."

"I'm afraid they're with the lawyers."

"Which lawyers?"

"The family's."

"The family's lawyer is sitting in his car outside," I said. "I walked past him."

Helen's smile did not change. That was how I knew it was costing her.

She smiled all the way through it.

I had stood across from men who lied for a living, and none of them smiled that well.

I didn't raise my voice. "You took my grandmother's letter four days before you read the test."

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