406: “Don’t Watch the Camera.”

Robert arrived the next morning before I had finished breakfast.

He read the note twice, then placed it on the table.

“We cannot assume the sender is telling the truth,” he said.

“But we can ask the investigators to examine it alongside the financial records.””

“Who could have paid for the first camera?””

“Let's establish which camera they're referring to.””

“The original system was installed six months ago. I paid the company directly.””

“Then the invoice and payment records should help us verify that.””

I retrieved the paperwork from my desk.

The invoice showed the original installation had been paid from my personal account. There was nothing unusual about the transaction.

But Robert noticed something I had overlooked.

A separate service charge had been paid two weeks later.

The recipient was not Sentinel Home Protection.

It was Harrison Property Consulting.

I stared at the name.

“Daniel's company.””

Robert nodded.

“Do you remember approving this payment?””

“No.””

He photographed the invoice and sent it to the investigator handling the financial case.

Then he examined the note again.

“There's one more possibility. The writer may be referring to the hidden camera rather than the original system.””

“Sarah said Mia bought it.””

“She said she saw an invoice. We need the underlying records.””

He closed the folder.

“Thomas, the most important thing now is that you don't try to solve this alone. We have a clear path forward: verify the transactions, preserve the evidence, and let the authorities establish who was responsible for each act.””

I nodded.

For the first time in my life, I understood how easily the desire for an explanation could become another trap.

I wanted to know why Daniel had done it.

I wanted to know when he had stopped seeing me as his father and started seeing me as an obstacle.

But wanting an answer didn't mean I could force one out of him.

At noon, Officer Brooks called.

“Mr. Harrison, we've confirmed that the power of attorney was not validly executed. The person identified in the document as the notary has denied notarizing it.””

I closed my eyes.

“So it was forged.””

“The evidence strongly indicates that the document was fabricated or altered. The investigation is continuing to determine who prepared and submitted it.””

“What about the proposed sale?””

“The relevant parties have been notified of the dispute, and the transaction is on hold while the matter is resolved.””

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

“And the allegation against me?””

“The recovered footage contradicts significant parts of the original account. The investigators are reviewing the evidence and the statements provided. You will be informed of any formal decision.””