Chapter 4: The Appraiser’s Shadow

I returned to our small cottage, my resolve shaken but unbroken. The scent of spray paint assaulted me even before I saw the fence. Insults, crude and ugly, marred the fresh white planks.

“Thief,” one read. “O’Connor Whore,” another screamed in angry red.

Chloe stood on the porch, a can of cleaner and a rag in her hand. Her shoulders were tense.

“They just left,” she said, her voice tight with fury. “I saw them from my window.”

She turned, her eyes narrowed. “Mom, I also saw something else last night. Behind the town hall.”

“What was it, sweetie?” I asked, my heart pounding.

“Wayne Finch. He was meeting with Arthur. They were arguing, really heated. I heard Finch yelling about ‘unpaid debts’ and ‘double-crossing’.”

A cold realization settled over me. Wayne Finch, the nervous notary, the one who confirmed Arthur’s fake document. He was the weak link. His clammy hand, his darting eyes. It all made sense.

Arthur’s entire scheme hinged on Finch’s fraudulent appraisal and notarization. If Finch cracked, Arthur’s plan would crumble. But Arthur would know this too. He’d be tightening his grip on Finch, making sure he kept silent.

I had to act, and fast, before Arthur cemented his hold on the county land office. My mind raced, trying to find a way to expose Finch without risking everything.

What should I do?