I looked at the man.
He introduced himself as Martin Vale, attorney for Windlass Property Group.
I had never heard the name.
“Mr. Mercer,” he said, “did your late uncle ever explain the structure under which your house was purchased?”
I frowned.
“My uncle?”
Claire’s eyes flickered.
That was all I needed to see.
She knew something.
“No,” I said slowly. “He helped with the down payment when Claire and I got married. Twenty thousand dollars.”
Martin shook his head.
“Not exactly.”
The gym disappeared around me.
“Your uncle didn’t give you twenty thousand dollars.”
He opened the document.
“He created a property trust.”
I stared at him.
“What?”
“Your uncle purchased the property outright through Windlass Property Group, then placed beneficial occupancy rights in your name and your wife’s name for the duration of the marriage.”
Claire closed her eyes.
I felt cold.
“That isn’t possible. I’ve paid a
