Chapter 4 - A Stranger at the Door
The first warning arrived on a rainy Thursday.
Delilah was preparing dinner when someone knocked at the front door.
A man in a dark raincoat stood on the porch holding a folder.
“Is Evan Cole available?”
“He isn’t home.”
“I’m looking for Margaret Hayes.”
“She doesn’t live here. I’m her daughter.”
The man handed Delilah a business card.
His name was Aaron Pike, and he worked for a title insurance company.
“I need to speak with Mrs. Hayes regarding a recent transaction.”
“What transaction?”
Aaron studied her carefully.
“Are you familiar with Willow Ridge Holdings?”
“No.”
“Your husband is listed as its managing member.”
Delilah’s stomach tightened.
“What does that have to do with my mother?”
Aaron looked toward the street before lowering his voice.
“I can’t discuss private records without authorization. But you should ask your mother whether she transferred an interest in this property four months ago.”
“She didn’t.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
Aaron handed her a sealed envelope.
“Give this to her directly. Not to your husband.”
Diane appeared behind Delilah.
“Who are you?”
Aaron stepped back.
“I’ve delivered what I came to deliver.”
After he left, Diane reached for the envelope.
“I’ll give that to Evan.”
Delilah pulled it away.
“It’s for my mother.”
“You heard him. It concerns a business transaction.”
“It concerns this house.”
Diane’s eyes narrowed.
“Give it to me.”
“No.”
For several seconds, neither woman moved.
Then Diane smiled.
“Of course. Call your mother. Make a scene. Destroy Evan’s business because some stranger frightened you.”
Delilah took Noah upstairs and locked the bedroom door.
She called Margaret three times, but Margaret was attending a conference and had silenced her phone.
Before Delilah could photograph the envelope, Evan arrived home.
Diane met him in the hallway.
They spoke in low voices.
Evan came upstairs and knocked.
“Open the door.”
Delilah placed the envelope inside Noah’s backpack.
“What is Willow Ridge Holdings?” she asked through the door.
Silence followed.
Then Evan answered calmly.
“It’s my company.”
“Did Mom transfer part of the house to you?”
“Open the door and we’ll talk.”
“Answer me.”
Evan’s tone changed.
“You don’t understand legal documents. That man is trying to create trouble.”
“So there was a transfer?”
“Your mother agreed to help.”
“She would have told me.”
“Maybe she doesn’t tell you everything.”
Delilah finally opened the door.
Evan entered slowly.
He sat on the edge of the bed and softened his voice.
“Your mother knew I needed funding. She signed temporary documents so I could secure a loan. Everything will be reversed after the business becomes profitable.”
Delilah stared at him.
“When did she sign?”
“Four months ago.”
Margaret had been visiting relatives in another state four months ago.
She had been gone for three weeks.
Delilah felt the room tilt around her.
“Where is the paperwork?”
“With the lender.”
“I want to see it.”
“You’re overreacting.”
“I want to see it now.”
Evan’s patience disappeared.
“You are my wife. Stop treating me like a criminal.”
May you like
Delilah looked at the man she had trusted for six years.
For the first time, she considered the possibility that he might be exactly what he was asking her not to call him.
