Chapter 4 - The Mansion
The Vale mansion stood on a hill outside Seattle.
It had belonged to Robert's parents.
At least, that was the story Clara had been told.
The house had been renovated twice.
The kitchen had been rebuilt.
The library had been expanded.
The dining room had become large enough to host twenty people.
And above the stone fireplace hung an American flag that Marjorie insisted represented family tradition.
Clara had always loved the house.
That was the irony.
She had spent childhood holidays there.
She had learned to swim in the backyard pool.
She had hidden under the staircase during family games.
She had believed the house represented security.
Then she discovered the title history.
The mansion had changed hands several times.
Some transfers were ordinary.
Others were not.
The final transfer had occurred quietly.
The property was now controlled by an entity tied to Clara.
She read the documents three times.
Then she called the attorney whose name appeared on the filings.
The attorney refused to discuss the matter.
Clara asked why.
He said only one thing.
"Because you are not the person who hired me."
Clara's stomach tightened.
"Who did?"
Silence.
Then the attorney said,
"You already know."
He ended the call.
Clara sat alone in her apartment.
May you like
She knew.
She just didn't want to admit it.
