“A record of illegal kickbacks,” I said. “Marcus awarded Summit Engineering contracts to Horizon Builders in exchange for bribes, and laundered them through his bedridden mother’s savings account.”

The relatives drew breath all at once.

“No!” Marcus threw his own mother under without a second’s hesitation. “Mom did that herself! She and Richard were embezzling! I didn’t know anything about it!”

The room turned from tense to disgusted. Aunt Susan backed away from the table. “Marcus. Are you trying to frame your dead mother?”

Before it could go further, a heavy knock came from the hallway.

“Our last guest,” Mr. Harrison said.