“Because of the inheritance,” she said slowly.

“Elena’s husband, Richard’s brother, died in a car accident about six months before Vance was killed.

He left behind a life insurance policy worth three million dollars, and half ownership of the family’s land, all of it to Elena and to Chloe.”

She looked around the room, her eyes bright with the horror of understanding.

“But there is a provision in state law.

A person convicted of a capital felony cannot inherit.