Vivian's Safe

Roslyn did not arrest Martin that night.

Elise hated her for it for nearly twelve minutes, which was how long Roslyn spent explaining probable cause, admissibility, chain of custody, and the difference between knowing a thing and proving it to people paid to doubt women.

"He burned a van with Lenora inside," Elise said.

"Ruby says he did. Ruby also admits to participating in a false death claim."

Ruby, sitting on an overturned crate, looked at the floor.

Roslyn softened by one degree. "That does not mean I disbelieve her. It means Martin's attorney will eat the weak part first."

Theo copied the flash drive to an offline evidence laptop. "Vivian encrypted it."

"Can you open it?" Elise asked.

"Not tonight without making it worse."

June stood beside the corkboard, reading the red strings like a map of adult failure. Claire had wanted to take her home. June had said there was no home until the house stopped smelling like smoke and lies.

"What is this one?" June asked.

She pointed at a photograph of a gray-haired woman outside a garden center.

Elise read the note below it. "Greta Sloane. Original beneficiary displaced after trust conversion. Husband died. Foundation received payout."

Ruby whispered, "I know her."

Everyone turned.

"From St. Agnes," Ruby said. "She came every Thursday to read to patients. Martin always walked her to the parking lot."

"Is she alive?" Roslyn asked.

Ruby nodded. "Unless they got to her too."

Elise took a photo of Greta's address before Roslyn could object.

"No," Roslyn said.

"She might have original forms."

"And she might have a killer watching her."

"Then we should get there first."

Roslyn looked at Theo. "Does she ever do what she is told?"

"Only when the instruction is bad."

Elise ignored them both.

Her phone rang. The screen showed Vivian's old number.

Elise answered before fear could make her smart.

A man's voice said, "Your mother should have burned the safe."