The lake had finally grown still.
Sunlight spilled across the water for the first time in two days, turning the rippling surface into a sheet of silver. It was beautiful.
Vivian barely noticed.
She sat on the dock at the edge of the property, Clara's worn folder resting on her lap.
Its pages were spread around her.
Notes.
Dates.
Court filings.
Company registrations.
At first glance, they looked ordinary.
Then she noticed it again.
The same names.
The same companies.
The same lawyers.
Repeating.
Changing.
Disappearing.
Reappearing.
Nothing illegal by itself.
But together...
They painted a disturbing picture.
"You've been staring at those papers for an hour."
Vivian looked up.
Damien stood a few feet away, a steaming mug in each hand.
He walked over and handed one to
