Sebastian arrived at Paula’s office shortly after nine the following morning.He had spent the ride reviewing the same three questions.Who would legally control the development rights when the restriction expired?Why had Northbridge spent twelve years positioning itself around Lot 19?And why had David and Edward created a structure that left the rights suspended if neither trustee survived?He did not need another mystery. This time he needed an answer.Paula was already waiting when he entered the conference room. Several documents were spread across the table, along with a laptop displaying a court filing."You found something," Sebastian said.She looked up. "I found enough to change what I think you should do today."Sebastian pulled out a chair. "Tell me."She turned the laptop toward him."This is the original trust instrument, the amendment signed eleven years ago, and the administrative filing made after your father's death."Sebastian looked at the three documents."What did

The cab stopped outside Union Trust Bank just before noon.Sebastian paid the driver and stepped onto the pavement with his backpack over one shoulder. Evelyn followed him, adjusting the strap of her handbag as she looked up at the glass-fronted building."You are sure Arthur can help us?" she asked."He is a bank manager, not an investigator," Sebastian replied. "That is precisely why I want to speak to him."Evelyn frowned slightly. "Because he might know something without realizing its importance?""Because he handles records every day. People who work with documents often notice things that investigators overlook."They entered the bank.The familiar smell of polished floors and paper greeted Sebastian as they crossed the lobby. A few customers waited at the service counters while employees moved between desks.Arthur Collins spotted them almost immediately. His expression changed when he saw Evelyn this time with Sebastian.He stood behind his desk and approached them. "Mr. Kane.

By the time the cab stopped outside Paula's office, the afternoon traffic had thickened. Sebastian paid the driver and stepped onto the pavement. Evelyn came around the other side, holding her handbag close as a motorcycle passed within a few feet of the curb."Do you really think Paula can get the acquisition agreement without Northbridge knowing?" she asked."She can get the public filings without asking them.""And if the important part is confidential?""Then we find out who holds the records."Evelyn studied him. "You sound calmer than you did yesterday."Sebastian adjusted the strap of his backpack. "Yesterday I was trying to understand the problem. Today I know what document we need."They entered the building. Paula was sitting behind her desk when they walked in. She looked up from her laptop and immediately noticed the expression on Sebastian's face. "You found something."Sebastian placed the payment authorization on her desk. "Northbridge made a payment to Union Trust und

Sebastian entered Paula’s office with Evelyn close behind him.Paula was already standing beside the conference table, several documents spread across its surface. She looked up as they approached, and the seriousness in her expression immediately made Sebastian slow his steps."You read the inspection report?" she asked."Yes.""And?"Sebastian pulled out a chair. "I want to know what happened before the transfer, not just what happened afterward."Paula nodded. "That is exactly why I called you."Evelyn sat beside him while Sebastian placed his backpack on the floor.Paula picked up the oldest document. "The environmental inspection was conducted on September seventeenth, twelve years ago. The property had already been transferred from Graystone Industrial Trust to Meridian Development Services."Sebastian looked at the date. "When was the transfer?""June twenty-second.""Three months earlier.""Yes.""And when did Graystone Logistics stop operating on the site?""According to the

Sebastian waited until the cab had turned onto a crowded commercial road before asking the driver to stop.Evelyn looked at him with a puzzled expression as he paid the fare. "Why are we getting out here?""Because Robert asked me to call him when I was alone."She glanced through the window at the busy sidewalk."You could have called him from the cab.""I could have.""But you did not."Sebastian stepped onto the pavement."I want to hear what he found without worrying about who might overhear us."Evelyn followed him toward a small coffee shop across the street. They chose a table near the back. Sebastian ordered coffee for both of them, then called Robert.Robert answered almost immediately. "Mr. Kane.""You said you found something.""I did."Sebastian leaned forward. "What?"There was a short pause."The larger underground structure is almost certainly man-made. The dimensions are too regular for a natural formation."Sebastian glanced at Evelyn. "How large?""Roughly eleven mete