Sean had the files he’d asked Max to pick up, and he started by reading the corporation papers for MCG. Nothing appeared unusual. They were equal partners, each owning 26 percent of the company. Simon Mills, Victoria’s brother, was a silent partner and owned 15 percent. The last 7 percent was held by the Grover and Judith Mills Trust. Perhaps they’d given the business seed money and, instead of repayment, kept a small percentage of the business. But only the three partners—Victoria, Mitch, and Stan—could vote. In the case of death, the partner’s share of the company was divided between their heirs and the surviving principals.

What Sean really needed was a Realtor to help him access and analyze the real estate database. Every property, listing agent, and buying agent was inputted into a central database. He could do a basic search, but if there was something illegal going on, finding it just by search terms would be difficult. He could call his Realtor but didn’t have the time to explain what he needed right now. He made a note to himself to reach out to her tonight.

All three principals owned land separate from the company, and their company also owned land—mostly unimproved properties or agricultural land. On paper, they looked legit—but Sean was going to have to look at the properties in question because he wasn’t familiar with the area west of San Antonio.

Mitch, Stan, and Simon had gone to college together; Victoria was two years younger. The four of them graduated from Texas A&M. Same college. Longtime friends. Victoria and Mitch had lived together for several years before marrying; how did that relationship end in divorce? They legally separated three years ago, then divorced shortly thereafter, but still worked together and by all accounts remained friends. Anything’s possible, Sean thought, but he’d like to know why they split. Adultery? Irreconcilable differences? Something completely different? If it was serious, how could they work so closely together and remain friends.

His phone beeped, reminding him he had to leave for the courthouse. He updated Max’s visual timeline and hoped she didn’t get angry that he was messing with her workstation. Then he sent her a text with an update and left.

Max’s hotel wasn’t far from the courthouse, and Sean arrived just after one fifteen that afternoon. There was no access on the north side of the building—only those with a card key could go down the wide alley to the parking structure. Terrific.

He drove around the block, and a side entrance—which was closed—was the best bet for a quick and secure exit. He parked semi-illegally in front of the side entrance, put on his hazards, and called Marie. “Are you ready?”

“We’re in the lobby. We’ll come out.”

“No, wait for me.”