“I don’t know how much you’ve figured out, Mr. Young, so I’ll fill you in. Marli, my dearest sister, has taken it upon herself to steal my inheritance for herself. See, Mother always trusted me more, and Marli knew that. When Mother died, she left everything to me, knowing that I’d take good care of the family legacy. Marli got nothing, which of course infuriated her.

“She hooked up with this dirty con-man named Mess a couple months ago. He’d gotten wind of her potential worth and became real friendly real fast. He’s the one who convinced her she had a chance at stealing my millions.

“Which brings me to why you’re here. It seems you were trying to assist them in their schemes. I can’t have that, no way. You realize, of course, that I’m going to have to kill you.” Jessica Brown smiled, her perfect white teeth glimmering in the candlelight.

I bolted from my chair, but the two men in the shadows grabbed me and forced me down before I could escape.

“Oh be still Young, I’m not through with you just yet.”