Evelyn lifted a document.
“Interesting. Because this deed places the property into the Eleanor Hale Trust twelve years ago. And here—Rebecca Hale is named sole beneficiary.”

My father’s name followed.

Thomas Crawford.

He knew.

The officer turned to me. “You’re Rebecca Hale?”

“Yes.”

“And this was your mother’s property?”

I nodded.

He frowned. “Then why were we told this belonged to Mr. Crawford?”

Evelyn gave a small, almost sympathetic smile.
“That’s a very good question.”

The locksmith cleared his throat. “I was told the husband owned it outright. I wouldn’t have changed the locks otherwise.”

Diana snapped at him—but it was too late.

The truth was already standing in the open.

“I was trying not to become you,” I said quietly.

That ended it.

The silence that followed was absolute.

Madeline scoffed from behind.