“Sally’s ex-late husband, Bradley Lane’s death was ruled an accident,” Marcus explained. “Sally also got paid millions by the Lane family, who is a prominent old-money Boston family.”
“How do you rule a stabbing an accident?” Mitch asked.
“I have no idea,” Marcus exclaimed. “The first autopsy report said there were multiple stab wounds.”
“What?” Mitch scoffed. “Did he fall on his own hunting knife multiple times?” This was getting more suspicious by the minute.
“Oh, no,” Marcus said, shaking his head. Flipping through the file and pulling out two autopsy reports. “The coroner blamed a junior who had just started working with him. He said that his new intern had given them the wrong report, and the multiple stab wounds belonged to a John Doe that had been brought in on the same day as Bradley Lane.”
“How convenient,” Mitch stated, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the autopsy reports before looking back at Marcus. “So if Sally was cleared…”
Marcus flipped through the file and pulled out another document, which he slid over to Mitch. “Bradley was contestingthe divorce settlement,” Marcus said, tapping the document he’d pushed in front of Mitch.
Mitch’s brows rose as he saw the settlement figure. “Whoa… that’s quite a pricey divorce settlement.” He looked up at Marcus. “Surely old Boston money would have prenups.”
“Yup,” Marcus said, putting another document in front of him. “The only way Sally would get a dime or could get a divorce is if Bradley cheated on her or there was domestic abuse.”
“That’s a strange clause to put into a prenup, isn’t it?” Mitch’s senses went on alert.
“I have no idea,’ Marcus told him. “I’ll have to ask my father or older brother. They are the ones in my family who got married.” He shrugged. “But I guess you can basically put what you want in one.”
“It’s strange, though,” Mitch said, picking up the document and scanning it. Before putting it down and looking curiously at Marcus. “Did you check for any domestic abuse in Sally’s marriage?”
“I did,” Marcus nodded. “Nothing.” He pulled out another document. “According to some of the court transcripts, when Sally appeared, according to friends and family, they didn’t even know of an instance either of them raised their voices at the other one.”
“I wouldn’t believe that,” Mitch said instantly. “I do know Sally, and she is quite jealous and can be possessive.” His frown deepened. “Although I’ve never heard her raise her voice.”
“I’m trying to find some of the witnesses,” Marcus told Mitch as he pulled out another document. “This is what I wanted you to see.” He pushed the papers towards Mitch.
It was a copy of a contract with the company name, Barstow Security, in bold script. He read it, and his blood turned cold. Sally had secured the company’s services three days before her husband had been stabbed to death. He read the terms of the contract:
Hired for surveillance, protection, and to eliminate any and all threats to Mrs. S. Lane’s person.
“This doesn’t necessarily mean that they would kill for her,” Mitch pointed out.
“Maybe,” Marcus shrugged. “But then there is this one.”
He slid another document with the same letterhead, dated two days before Lori arrived. There were no details, just a line:For the account of Mrs. S. Lane.
2
LORI
Lori had just finished plating scrambled eggs and toast when she heard footsteps on the stairs. Tessa appeared in the kitchen doorway, her hair still damp from the shower, wearing comfortable jeans and a soft gray sweater. She looked fresh but as tired as Lori felt after another restless night.
Tessa’s eyes swept the kitchen, and Lori didn’t miss the flash of disappointment that crossed her face when she realized Ryan wasn’t there. It was subtle, barely a flicker, but Lori had known Tessa since she was a child. She could read that face like a book.
Lori hid a smile. “If you’re looking for Ryan, Piper came and got him about twenty minutes ago. She took Misty, too. They went for a run.”
“Oh.” Tessa nodded and slid onto one of the stools at the kitchen counter, trying to look casual about it. “Right. I remember Piper is quite the track star.”
“She is,” Lori agreed, setting a plate in front of Tessa. “That girl has more energy at ten years old than I’ve had in the last decade combined.” She poured Tessa a cup of coffee from the pot. “Youalso used to be a track star when you were her age. You should join them tomorrow if they go again.”
“Nah.” Tessa shook her head and reached for the coffee like it was a lifeline. “When I take a vacation, it means vacation from everything. Including daily sports.”
Lori smiled now and nodded. “I agree with that sentiment wholeheartedly.” She dished up her own plate and sat down across from Tessa at the counter. “But that doesn’t mean you need to become lazy. You still need to get your blood pumping. Keep that heart healthy.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Tessa sipped her coffee, and Lori watched some of the tension ease from her shoulders. “I’ll go walking later. A nice, leisurely stroll. No running. No racing. Just walking.”
