Derek said, “I didn’t prepare that.”
Rebecca opened her laptop.
“The metadata says it was created on your office computer.”
Then Linda looked at her son.
“Tell them why you needed the money.”
Derek’s face hardened.
“Mom.”
“You said it was temporary until the development deal closed.”
Rebecca turned toward her.
“What development deal?”
Linda pulled a glossy brochure from her purse.
A luxury lakefront developer had offered $1.8 million for the cabin and adjoining acreage.
Closing was scheduled for the following Monday.
The seller listed on the contract was not me.
It was Derek Mercer, Trustee.
Then Claire showed me a message Derek had sent Ron that morning:
Get moved in today. Once Tom sees people living there, he’ll be easier to pressure into signing.
The next message was from Ron:
If he refuses, we use the competency papers.
