from leaving?”

Claire looked toward the bedroom door.

“Sometimes.”

“Controlled your money?”

This time Claire hesitated.

“He handles the accounts.”

Nathan turned slightly.

That answer connected with something he had noticed months earlier.

Claire had inherited money after their mother’s death.

Not enough to make her wealthy, but enough for a down payment on a home and long-term security.

Earlier that year she had casually mentioned that Derek was moving funds into a better investment account.

Nathan had offered to look over the paperwork.

Derek had later told him it was handled.

Alvarez asked, “Do you still have online access to your inheritance account?”

“No.

Derek said changing passwords would keep it secure.”

Nathan closed his eyes briefly.

Derek snapped, “I manage our finances because she asked me to.”

Alvarez stood.

“That isn’t the only financial issue we’re here about.”

Derek went still.

Nathan watched him.

“What issue?”

Alvarez opened a folder.

“Mr.

Cole’s colleague gave us your address and names when he called.

During a routine records check, we found an open fraud referral tied to a recent insurance application connected to this household.”

Claire frowned.

“Insurance?”

Alvarez looked directly at her.

“Do you know that a life insurance policy in your name was increased four months ago?”

Claire felt suddenly cold.

“No.”

“The current benefit is one point two million dollars.”

Nathan turned toward Derek.

Derek spread his hands.

“We’re expecting a child.

That’s responsible planning.”

“Maybe,” Alvarez said.

“If both spouses understand the policy.”

Claire remembered papers.

The memory arrived slowly.

She had been nauseous, half-asleep, lying on the couch.

Derek had placed a folder on her lap and told her they were updating family insurance.

“I signed something,” she said.

Nathan looked at her.

“When?”

“Maybe four months ago.”

“Did you read it?”

Claire’s eyes filled.

“No.”

Derek scoffed.

“That’s not my fault.”

Alvarez looked at him.

“Nobody said it was.”

The sentence unsettled him more than accusation would have.

She continued.

“The policy itself may be lawful.

The financial transfers are a different question.”

Marissa, standing on the landing, whispered, “Derek.”

He turned sharply.

“Don’t.”

Nathan caught the exchange.

“What transfers?”

Alvarez answered.

“Over six months, approximately two hundred eighty thousand dollars moved out of Mrs.

Hale’s inheritance account.

Some went to an account controlled by Mr.

Hale.

Some to an account in Marissa Hale’s name.

Another portion moved through a newly formed consulting company.”

Claire stared at Marissa.

“You took my money?”

Marissa began crying.

“I thought you knew.”

“Knew what?”

“Derek said you were investing it.

He said you wanted the money out of your name before the baby came.”

Derek spun toward her.

“Stop talking.”

Alvarez’s tone sharpened.

“Mr.

Hale, do not instruct a witness.”

“She’s my sister.”

“That doesn’t change what I said.”

Marissa covered her face.

“He told me it was temporary.”

Claire’s voice shook.

“Why would money need to be temporary?”

Marissa looked at Derek.

That one glance was enough.

Nathan stepped toward her.

“What did he tell you was going to happen?”

“Nothing.”

“Marissa.”

“I said nothing.”

Derek abruptly moved for the stairs.

The second detective blocked him.

“Stay here, sir.”

“I need my lawyer.”

“You’re free to contact one.”

“Then I’m leaving.”

“Not through a scene we’re securing for an assault investigation.”

Derek shoved past him.

The