“I heard there was some bad blood between the two of you.”

Rip nodded, rooting around for the next square to make his victim. “I know I sound like a monster, but Connie gave us all cause.” He looked up at me. “And it wasn’t just because of that damned will. I know that’s what everyone thinks.”

The squares were most certainly doing their job. Not that they would force him to say anything. Izzy would never bake something like that. They were simply encouragements.

“Connie never missed an opportunity to stick it to us. I’m pretty sure it’s what she lived for.” He brought his baby fingernail up to dig around in the side of his teeth. “It’s a disgrace the way she let Graves House fall apart. She did that on purpose, you know. Just to get at me. It was supposed to be mine. My father always said the house should be bequeathed to the eldest son.” Suddenly there was a hardness to Rip’s eyes. One of the dogs let out a low whine. “The Graves name is respected in Evenfall. Admired. The house was a part of that. Do you think my great-grandfather chose that location on the hill by accident?”

I didn’t answer. I wanted him to speak uninterrupted.

“It was to send a message. But old Connie could never appreciate any of that. She never wanted the house or the history that came with it. She just didn’t want any of the rest of us to have it.”

I waited to see if Rip would say more, but when he didn’t, I decided to take a gamble. “I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but the police have opened an investigation.”

“What kind of investigation?”

“It’s possible Constance’s death may not have been an accident.”

I studied Rip’s face closely. His eyes narrowed in confusion, but I couldn’t be certain if it was genuine. Seconds later an unpleasant smile broke out over his face as he muttered, “Johnny boy, who would have thought you had it in you?”

“Rip!”

“Yes, dear,” he said sweetly to the window, then whispered, “I’d better keep her on my good side. She’s my alibi.” He winked at me before leaning back in his chair.

There was something about his smile though.

There was an excitement to it. An eagerness.

If I had to guess, it was a smile born of one of humankind’s baser instincts.

Greed.

It was clear Rip still wanted to get his hands on Graves House, but given how he spoke of his sister, I couldn’t imagine Constance changing her will to make him the beneficiary. So why was he so happy?

“I shouldn’t have said anything,” Rip went on. “And I shouldn’t be speculating, Miss Warren. I’m just shocked by this news.”

He didn’t sound shocked. He sounded amused. “Had Constance mentioned anything to you about being worried? Or afraid?”

“Not to me. I didn’t see much of Connie.” He rubbed his nose again, now red from the rough treatment. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some calls to make.”