6:00 PM. The Carter Mansion.

Richard Carter walked into his study, his steps heavy. The meeting with the bank had been a disaster. They were getting nervous about the leadership changes at the Carter Group. They wanted assurances that only Aria could give.

He rubbed his face, groaning. He needed a drink.

He walked to the hidden wall safe behind the mahogany bookshelf not the one in the bedroom, but the one where he kept the real keys. The keys to the storage units, the safe deposit boxes, and the attic.

He spun the dial. Right. Left. Right.

Click.

He pulled the heavy steel door open.

He reached for the...