It was the first meaningful promise he had made that didn’t involve money.

PART 8: A Ledger Under the Piano

The police did not arrive with sirens.

Two investigators came by appointment, spoke to Desmond privately, and asked that potentially relevant devices and records be preserved.

Their quiet manner surprised him.

He had imagined a crisis would announce itself.

Instead, it came disguised as careful paperwork.

Vivian moved into a separate apartment while the inquiry proceeded.