You feel it before he says it.
“There are life insurance policies.”
Rachel leans forward. “On whom?”
Devon looks at Ariadna.
“You.”
Ariadna’s hand goes limp in yours.
You go still.
“How much?” Rachel asks.
“Two policies totaling $3.5 million. Mauricio is primary beneficiary. Hortensia is contingent beneficiary.”
You cannot breathe for one second.
Ariadna whispers, “I never signed that.”
Devon adjusts his glasses.
“The signatures appear inconsistent. I recommend handwriting analysis.”
Rachel’s voice is flat. “When were they issued?”
“Four months ago.”
You remember four months ago.
Ariadna had a “stomach virus” that lasted two days after dinner at Hortensia’s apartment. She had called you sounding strange, sleepy, insisting she was fine. You offered to come over. Mauricio answered her phone and said she needed rest.
You look at Rachel.
She sees it.
“Tell me,” she says.
You do.
