My hands began shaking.
“Raymond,” I whispered.
The detective nodded.
“We’re looking into his movements that morning.”
I stared at the photograph.
Then I remembered something.
The night before Lucas died, he received a phone call while we were eating dinner.
I remembered his expression.
The way he stepped outside.
When he returned, I asked what was wrong.
He kissed my forehead and said, “Just business.”
I had believed him.
Now I wondered how frightened he had actually been.
Chapter 8: The Deal My Father Never Expected
Two weeks later, Charles’s attorney contacted Samantha.
My father wanted to negotiate.
In exchange for my cooperation in resolving the financial disputes, he would supposedly agree not to challenge my ownership of the house.
When Samantha explained the proposal, I almost laughed.
“He’s offering not to steal something that already belongs to me?”
“Essentially.”
“What does he want?”
“He wants you to support a settlement that would limit his financial exposure.”
