“Kate,” she said, her voice practically purring with predatory delight. “I just intercepted an email from Ben’s account to the partners at his firm, and to Maya’s parents.”
“What does it say?”
“He thinks the wire is clearing at nine tonight due to a ‘bank delay.’ So, to establish his ‘permanent residency’ and celebrate his absolute victory, he is hosting a last-minute ‘New Beginnings’ housewarming party at your house in Maplewood tonight at 7:00 PM. He’s hired a caterer.”
A slow, dangerous smile spread across my face. He was throwing a party to celebrate stealing my life, entirely unaware that the bank vault was locked, his passport was voided, and I held the detonator to his entire existence.
“Miriam,” I said, unlocking my car. “Call the financial fraud division. Tell Detective Harris we have the physical evidence, the forged signature, and the perpetrator all wrapped up with a bow. We’re going to a party.”
The street outside my Maplewood home was lined with expensive German sedans and luxury SUVs. Warm, golden light spilled from the windows of my house, and the faint, rhythmic pulse of jazz music drifted into the cool night air.
I parked my car a block away. A few moments later, an unmarked black cruiser pulled up silently behind me. Detective Harris, a tall, no-nonsense woman with a severe bun, stepped out, accompanied by two uniformed officers and Miriam, who was carrying a thick leather briefcase.
“We confirmed with the bank,” Detective Harris said, adjusting her utility belt. “The wire fraud exceeds the federal threshold. Combined with the identity theft and forged legal documents, Mr. Sterling is looking at a mandatory minimum of ten to fifteen years. You ready for this, Ms. Sterling?”
“It’s Kate,” I corrected her, my voice steel. “And I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
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