“Property and corporation papers on Victoria’s real estate company—the one she co-owned with Grant and Corta. Plus their individual property records and LLCs. We know that Victoria’s family has her shares of the company in a trust, but what about Grant? Who gets his portion of the company? Many LLCs have provisions if one of the principals is incarcerated, including giving up the shares to the remaining partners. But mostly, I want to track their land deals. Land is a terrific way to cover up a criminal enterprise or to launder money. Not to mention running scams. My brother worked a case once where some bastard killed an old lady to buy her property in probate because she refused to sell.”

“I’ll admit, while I understand finance better than the average person, I have very little interest in white collar crime. I’ll leave that to you.”

Yet Sean was right. When dealing with a multi-million-dollar company that handled major land transactions for important people, maybe there was something hidden in those records—something worth lying for, something worth killing for.

Max couldn’t wait to talk to Stanley Grant.

Sean called Lucy as he drove to Marie Richards’s house. “Thanks for taking Jesse to school this morning.”

“I’m happy to do it, though I didn’t expect Max’s investigation to be twenty-four/seven.”

“I don’t think she sleeps. I might be on bodyguard duty temporarily, I’ll let you know for certain.”

“Is there a threat to Max?”

Now Lucy sounded worried, which was the last thing Sean wanted.

“No. At least, nothing that I’m aware of.” With the reporter, he could never be certain who might want to do her harm. “It’s complicated, I’ll explain tonight. Jess has soccer practice and a ride home, so don’t be worried if you don’t hear from me today. I’ll check in when I can. Are you at work?”

“Just got here. Nate and I are meeting with a PI that Denise Albright’s family hired, then we have a full day of interviews and follow-up.”

“Don’t forget to eat.”

“I’m with Nate. He likes regular meals.”

“He doesn’t care if it’s an energy bar or steak dinner. Who’s the PI?”

He heard the shuffling of paper. “King Investigations.”

“They’re good. It’s a family operation—Miranda King, her son, and daughter-in-law. I’ve consulted with them on security issues. Miranda’s old-school, Rico is more like me. It’s a good balance.”

“Why am I not surprised that we’ve been here less than two years and you know more people than I do?”