Derek locked his bedroom door, twisting the knob firmly before turning his attention down the hall to Autumn's room. His hand hovered over her doorknob, hesitating. He figured she must still be shaken after that grueling interview.

With a sigh, he pulled out his phone, dialing the detective’s number. As the line connected, he headed downstairs, one hand in his pocket while the other held his phone to his ear.

“Hello…” the detective answered, his voice gruff but alert.

“How far have you gone with the investigation?” Derek asked, an unsettling tension threading through his tone.

“Oh, right,” the detective responded, “I did find something interesting. The company’s checkbook has...