We sat at the kitchen table.
Susan wiped her tears.
“My husband died ten years ago. My only daughter, Lisa, owns a small bakery. It’s everything we have.”
She took several documents from her purse.
“Robert convinced Lisa to invest in a business deal. He promised enormous profits and made her sign a financial guarantee.”
My stomach tightened.
“What happened?”
“The investment collapsed. The company is under investigation. Lisa could lose her bakery, her savings, everything.”
Susan showed me Robert’s messages.
“Don’t tell your mother the details. Once everything is finished, we’ll all be rich.”
Another message read:
“Especially don’t tell Margaret. She understands financial documents.”
My blood ran cold.
Before marrying Robert, I’d worked at a bank.
He knew I might recognize financial misconduct.
“Where is he now?” I asked.
“He’s disappeared. Margaret, please help me. Lisa hasn’t done anything wrong.”
