Mara's Deal

Greer's petition was elegant poison.

It asked the court to remove all Hart family members from access to HartLine records and restitution accounts due to conflicts, criminal exposure, and emotional instability. It proposed an independent receiver chosen from a list of three firms.

Theo recognized every firm.

"Greer lenders," he said. "Different names, same mouth."

Elise read the petition again in the police conference room. Her temporary identity order lay beside it. Alive yesterday. Unfit today. Forms moved fast when money pushed.

Claire paced. "He can do that from jail?"

"His lawyers can," Theo said.

Ruby sat with June, both exhausted. "If he controls the receiver, he controls which victims get paid first."

"And which files disappear," Elise said.

Roslyn entered with a fresh warrant packet and stale coffee. "Criminal charges do not stop civil nonsense."

"Can Vivian's will stop it?" Claire asked.

"Vivian's will is disputed because Mara notarized it," Theo said.

Elise stood. "Then we need Mara."

Roslyn's eyebrows went up. "Mara is in a holding cell asking for tea and federal protection."

"Give her tea."

"You are not negotiating for my suspects."

"I am not. I am reading them."

Roslyn studied Elise for a long beat, then let her into the interview room with glass between them and a recorder on.

Mara looked worse under fluorescent lights. Her bandaged hand rested on the table. "If you came to threaten me, get in line."

"I came to ask why Vivian trusted you with the last amendment if she knew you were dirty."

Mara's eyes flicked away.

"She did not trust you," Elise said. "She trapped you too."

Mara smiled despite herself. "Your mother was a vicious woman."

"Yes. Where is the clean notary proof?"

Mara leaned back. "What do I get?"

"The chance to testify before Greer buries you as the lone forger."

That hit.

Mara tapped one finger on the table. "Vivian made a video of the signing. Full ceremony. Two witnesses. One was me."

"The other?"

Mara's smile turned thin.

"Theo Crane."