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“Why didn’t he just have the other firm change it?”
“He was convinced Miranda had spies in the law firm – in fact, that she had spies in virtually every corner of his empire. He believed the only way he could avoid a nasty intra-family battle was to alter the will secretly.” Koffitz looked dour. “But apparently she found out anyway.”
“So you’re convinced that Miranda’s behind everything?”
“To tell the truth, I always thought he was paranoid – until I heard about his death. Events happened exactly as he predicted them. Now I believe him without question: that the attempt on Connor’s life was Miranda’s doing, and that everything following it was, too – including Augustus’s death.”
My heart beat faster. “Would you testify about all this in court?”
“I told you, it’s all speculation and hearsay.”
“But you said the will provides motive.”
“It does. However, the extent of my involvement would be testifying that I prepared the will for him, and only that.”
“You could testify about what Mr. Templeton told you.”
Koffitz snorted. “I don’t have a death wish, young lady.”
“You’re afraid of Miranda?”
“Of course I’m afraid of Miranda. If she knew I was going to testify – ”
“What if we could guarantee your safety?”
“No one can guarantee my safety.”
“But if we could?”
“She wouldn’t just come after me, you know. She would come after everyone in my family. Anyone whose safety she could hold over my head.”
“We’ll figure something out, I promise.”
He gave a noncommittal grunt.
“Can I get a digital copy of the will?” I asked as I put the paper version in my purse.
“Do you have a thumb drive?”
I did, one I kept handy for work. He plugged it in and downloaded the file from his laptop.
“Don’t share this with anyone unless it’s absolutely necessary,” he warned as he handed the thumb drive back. “And don’t bring my name up unless it’s at the business end of a gun. And even then, I would appreciate it if you gave them someone else’s name.”
“You could come back with us,” I suggested. “We could keep you safe.”
“The only reason you think you’re safe is because it’s in Miranda’s best interest to keep you alive. As soon as it isn’t…”
He swiped his hand across his throat in a cutting motion.
I sighed. “Well… thank you for telling us all this, at least.”
“Don’t make me regret it.”
As he walked us back out to the front room, I asked, “Do you have any leads we might follow? Any idea what we can do next?”
He thought for a second. “If you find out what disturbed Augustus enough that he would hand over his entire empire to his estranged son, I’m fairly certain you’ll find what you need to free Connor.”
“And put Miranda in prison?”
