"We went to high school together."Cadie stared at the card."I had no idea he became a private investigator."
"He has a good reputation.He's former military and very thorough in his work.Your aunt felt he was the right person for this task.He's in Charleston to handle the investigation."
Cadie's mind raced with memories.Barrett was the football player who had left the summer after graduation to become a Navy SEAL.He'd kissed her in the parking lot after a school dance and told her he'd write—but he hadn't.
She looked up to find Hartwell watching her with concern."I'm just surprised.It's been a very long time since I've seen him."
"Well, you will likely see him again soon.He will need access to the property and will speak with people who knew your aunt in her final months."Hartwell slid a piece of paper across the table."This is contact information for Olivia Stewart.She has been your aunt's caregiver for the past several years.She may have some of your aunt's personal effects and can tell you about her final months."
Cadie took the paper, adding it to the growing collection of information.The attorney talked more about the title transfer of the property, but the legal rules went by her.Her mind was on her aunt, and she trusted that the attorney would deal with the property ownership details.
"The property is yours, Ms.Ladd.I have the keys here."He produced a small key ring with several keys."I suggest you visit when you are ready and see what your aunt has entrusted to you.And there is a key to her home.That hasn't been put on the market yet.You should look around.She also left you her personal property."
They spent the next twenty minutes reviewing paperwork.Cadie signed documents transferring the title.Hartwell explained the financial situation, which was straightforward.Her aunt had modest savings and no debts.The building was the estate's real value.Her aunt had named Hartwell as the executor of the will, so he would handle all the details.
Finally, the meeting concluded.Hartwell stood and offered his hand again."I'll be in touch.Please contact me if you have any questions.And again, my condolences for your loss."
"Thank you for everything."
Cadie left the building and stood on the sidewalk, momentarily uncertain of what to do next.She held the ring of keys in her palm.In her purse was a business card with Barrett Anson's name on it.
She got into her car and sat behind the wheel without starting the engine.Barrett was a private investigator in California and had come to Charleston to investigate her aunt's death.Surely it would be a routine investigation.
She wondered why her aunt hadn't contacted her sooner about her worries.But then, maybe she hadn't been confident about being believed.But Cadie was sure that there couldn't be anything to this.Her aunt had been a beloved member of the family and the community.She'd died of natural causes.
The first thing to do was visit Stratton House.She wanted to see the property before she faced Barrett Anson—and an investigation.
Cadie started the car and pulled into traffic.It appeared that she might not leave Charleston as quickly as anticipated.
Chapter 3
Barrett Anson woke up at five thirty.That habit was ingrained from his SEAL days.While running his own PI firm in California, he'd seen no reason to change.Making the most of the mornings gave him an edge.He had a chance to strategize before the rest of the world started making noise.
He sat up in the hotel bed and rolled his shoulders, working out the stiffness from yesterday's flight.He was back in Charleston, which was strange after so many years.
The room was comfortable enough, with thick curtains that blocked out the early light.Barrett pushed them aside and looked out at the city.Charleston had changed since he'd left.There were a few newer buildings, updated infrastructure, and more tourists than he remembered.But he appreciated the historic architecture, the Spanish moss hanging from old oak trees, and the fall colors.In some ways, it still felt like home.
He showered and dressed in jeans and a dark shirt, practical clothes that let him move freely.While he went through his morning routine, he was already thinking about the case.He had left his firm in good hands.His business partners were both former SEALs, could handle things at his company while he was away.They had worked together long enough to trust each other completely.That was the kind of trust built in combat and carried forward into civilian life.
For the current case, he'd been specifically requested.Celia Ann Stratton had given clear instructions to her estate attorney before she passed away.
Barrett made a cup of coffee then sat at the desk and opened the file Thomas Hartwell had given him.It was sparse.Celia Ann Stratton was deceased.The report indicated it was due to heart failure.That was not unexpected for an eighty-one-year-old woman with a heart condition.
But Celia Ann had left instructions.If she died, her attorney should contact Barrett Anson to investigate.The act of doing so suggested that she'd suspected something was amiss.She wouldn't have left such a message unless she'd had concerns or sensed danger.
Barrett had known Celia Ann, although not well.She had been a fixture in Charleston when he was growing up, an elegant woman who ran the music conservatory at Stratton House.She had taught piano to kids in the historic district, hosted concerts, and contributed to the city's classical music scene.He remembered her as kind, dignified, and sharp as a tack.
He had not realized she'd kept track of him after he joined the Navy.The attorney said she had followed his career.She knew he'd become a SEAL and that he'd later opened his own investigation firm in California.She wanted someone she could trust and had selected Barrett, who was from Charleston.She had confidence that he understood the city and its people.
Barrett was honored but concerned.He wondered what she'd suspected or known.
The medical examiner's report was brief.Celia Ann's heart had failed, but there were no signs of trauma.She'd appeared to die quietly, with no sign of struggle.The report stated that an elderly woman with a diagnosed heart condition had died in her sleep.It wasn't unusual and wouldn't be a reason to investigate.
But Celia Ann's instincts had told her otherwise.Barrett trusted instincts.His own had kept him alive through more combat situations than he cared to count.He had learned to listen to that quiet voice in the back of his mind that said something wasn't right.
The frustration was that Thomas Hartwell had been unable to tell him who'd inherited the property until after the will was officially read.That was due to attorney-client privilege and estate law.Barrett understood the legal reasoning, but it did not make his job easier.
Hartwell had not mentioned the name of the heir, just that the reading of the will was scheduled soon.After that, Barrett could expect a call.In the meantime, he was limited to what the attorney could share, which was not much.
