Records Access

The judge did not give Elise HartLine.

She gave Elise keys to the records, a neutral receiver with sharp glasses, and a warning that one step outside the order would put her back in court before lunch.

Elise accepted because power with walls was still better than power in Martin's hands.

Greer's petition failed. His lawyers asked for a stay. The judge denied it with visible pleasure. Martin's lawyer requested protection for Vivian's reputation as estate founder. Greta laughed so loudly the bailiff looked personally injured.

Outside the courtroom, reporters shouted Elise's name.

Alive one day, headline the next. She preferred dead systems. They were quieter.

Nadine Park led Elise, Theo, Roslyn, and the receiver to HartLine under court order. The front desk staff stood when they entered. Some looked guilty. Some looked relieved. One cried.

"No one deletes, removes, prints, transfers, shreds, or heroically cleans a drawer," Nadine announced. "If your hand itches, sit on it."

Elise liked her more.

Vivian's office had been searched, but not emptied. The receiver unlocked the records suite. Rows of client files stretched behind glass walls.

Elise stood at the threshold. This was what Vivian had left her: not money, not love, but a room full of damage and the authority to count it.

Theo spoke quietly. "You do not have to do this alone."

"I know."

"Do you?"

She looked at him. "I am learning."

Adam arrived with a police escort and a list of vendor aliases. Claire arrived with June and Ruby because June insisted the first file opened under her account be Robert Sloane, not Lily Bell. Greta approved from the hallway like a queen with a tote bag.

The receiver opened the first drawer.

A file was missing.

Not misplaced. The tab remained. The folder did not.

Elise read the empty label.

VIVIAN HART PERSONAL POLICY.

She looked at Theo.

"Vivian had a life insurance policy?" he asked.

Elise felt the last floor give way under the case.

"And someone took it."