Chapter 3
Madison stood from the sofa.
The robe slipped off one shoulder.
Suddenly, she looked less like a woman stealing a house and more like a woman realizing she had been handed stolen keys.
“You said she signed,” Madison whispered.
Daniel pointed at her.
“Do not start.”
She backed away.
“You told me she agreed to leave.”
I looked at Daniel.
“Leave my own house?”
He turned on me.
“You were miserable here.”
“I was married to you. That was the miserable part.”
His face hardened.
Karen said, “Emily, take clear photos of every page. Send them to me now.”
Daniel lunged for the folder.
I stepped back and held it behind me.
Madison moved without thinking.
She blocked him.
“Daniel, wait.”
He shoved her shoulder.
Not hard enough to knock her down.
Hard enough to show her who he became when women stopped cooperating.
Madison’s face changed.
There it was.
Recognition.
I knew that look.
The first time Daniel’s mask slips, you try to explain it away.
The second time, you start counting exits.
I photographed every page.
Quitclaim deed.
Forgery.
Notary stamp.
Witness signature.
Madison Pierce.
My eyes lifted.
“You witnessed this?”
Madison shook her head.
“I didn’t know. He said you signed upstairs and didn’t want to see me.”
Karen said, “Madison, are you willing to stay and give a statement?”
Madison stared at Daniel.
He whispered, “Don’t.”
That decided it for her.
“Yes,” she said.
Daniel’s face twisted.
“You ungrateful—”
The front doorbell rang.
All three of us froze.
May you like
Then a man’s voice called through the door.
“Mr. Carter? We’re here for the appraisal.”
