She keeps the family's books. He's building the case that burns them. Only one of them walks away clean, keep the family's books. Every debt, every favor, every quiet correction, priced in my handwriting. The ledger I hide could clear my brother or convict him, depending on who reads it first, and I planned to be gone before anyone did. Then the task force sent him: an investigator with a dead partner behind him and a warrant in front of him, asking questions like he already owns the answers. He's supposed to dismantle everything I've balanced. I'm supposed to be the thread he pulls. The family gave me one order: stay quiet. His people gave him one case: close it. Neither of us was issued instructions for this. Every debt in the family's ledger is priced in her handwriting. The investigator sent to collect has one case to close, one vow to keep - and no line item for her."
