“When I talked to Stan this morning,” Max said, “he said he thought Victoria was being prickly about the business. Did anything about Victoria change in the few months before her death? Meaning, did she act different? Short-tempered maybe?”

“To be honest, I didn’t notice anything different about Victoria, but Judith did. That’s what they argued about. She felt that Victoria was being rude and secretive and that was no way to run a business. I keep out of my children’s financial affairs unless specifically asked for advice. Judith likes to make her opinion known. And my wife is brilliant in real estate. She helped make our family successful by finding the right properties at the right time.”

Max wanted to talk to Judith, but she wouldn’t disturb the grieving woman tonight. “When Judith is feeling up to it, in the next day or two, I’d like to talk to her. Maybe she has specific insight about what secrets Victoria may have been keeping from Mitch and Stan.”

“I’ll talk to her. I’m sure she’ll want to talk to you.”

“The sooner the better, to be honest. I have some threads to follow, but Judith may be able to help me narrow my focus. And my associate Sean Rogan is following up on a few things as well. We hope to have some answers for you.”

“We met him. Bright young man. We were very comfortable with him.”

She wanted to solve Victoria’s murder, or fully believe that Stan was guilty, before she left. Even if she couldn’t prove it.

Grover continued, “I can’t tell you how much this means to me that you’ve taken so much time from your career and your family to be here.”

“This is my job.”

“But you have a sister now, right? She’s living with you?”

Max shouldn’t be surprised at how quickly information spread about her life. “Eve Truman. She’s sixteen. My boyfriend is staying with her, she’s in good hands.”

“I’m sure you would much rather be home with them.”

She was about to deny it, but it was true. She wanted to be with Eve and Ryan. “Yes, but this is also important, and they understand.” She stood. “I’ll let you get back to your evening, and I have a drive ahead of me.”

“How about some coffee? I made some before you arrived, I forgot to offer it.”

“Actually, coffee sounds wonderful.”

She followed him to the kitchen. As they walked down a wide hall, she saw Victoria’s wedding picture. Victoria, Mitch, all the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Stan was there, as one of the ushers.

Grover said, “Judith and I don’t know whether to take it down.”

“I would hold off for now.”

“I miss her, Maxine. I really miss my daughter.”

His voice ached with the agony of losing a child. She had no words for him.