Now I understood why.
Rebecca leaned forward.
“He discovered the life-insurance policies could solve his problem.”
My voice shook.
“So he planned to kill us.”
“Yes.”
“And then take the house?”
Rebecca nodded.
“But there is something you need to know.”
She reached into her purse and pulled out a small envelope.
“I found this among Daniel’s old papers.”
She handed it to me.
My name was written across the front.
I opened it.
Inside was a photocopy of a document.
At the bottom was my father’s signature.
I stared at it.
Rebecca whispered, “Your father knew Daniel was dangerous.”
My eyes filled with tears.
“What?”
“He left instructions.”
I read the final paragraph.
If Daniel ever attempts to gain control of the property through my daughter, the house is to remain hers and his claim is to be permanently denied.
I covered my mouth.
My father had seen something I never had.
He had protected me even after he was gone.
But Rebecca wasn’t finished.
“There is another copy.”
“Where?”
She looked toward the door.
“In the house.”
My heart started pounding.
“Where?”
“Behind the wall in your father’s old study.”
Three days later, police searched the house.
Behind a loose section of wood paneling, they found a metal box.
