Chapter 9 - The Forgotten PropertyThe old property sat three hours north.
An abandoned lakeside lodge surrounded by dense forest.
Police arrived before dawn.
Fog hovered over the water.
The lodge looked empty.
But inside, they found evidence of recent activity.
Fresh food.
Medical supplies.
New clothing.
A generator.
And dozens of photographs.
All of Sarah.
But there were photographs of other women too.
Women who had disappeared over the years.
Richard stared at the wall.
“This can't be real.”
The detective didn't answer.
Then Leo found a metal box hidden beneath the floor.
Inside was a notebook.
Names.
Dates.
Payments.
The final entry was dated six months earlier.
SARAH HAWTHORNE — TRANSFERRED TO ESTATE.
Below it was another name.
MIA HAWTHORNE — CONTINGENCY.
Richard's blood froze.
“Contingency?”
The detective looked grim.
“It means Sarah wasn't the final target.”
Richard turned toward Leo and Mia.
A terrible realization struck him.
Eleanor had never simply wanted Sarah dead.
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She had wanted the entire family controlled.
And Mia had been the insurance policy.
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