That evening, David poured himself a drink and announced he’d made a dinner reservation for us on Saturday — at a restaurant near the lake cabin.

Everything came into focus. He meant to put me in public, encourage me to drink, and have Eli photograph me, with the cabin close enough to support a story that I’d driven out there confused.

I smiled. “That sounds perfect.”

After he went upstairs, I sent Paula one word: Saturday.

By the time the evening arrived, we were ready. Eli had given Paula a sworn statement, and his payment records showed transfers tied to David.

The guardianship petition had already been filed with the court — which meant Paula could obtain copies legally, without touching anything I’d found in his office.