The Photograph in the Study
The man approaching was Richard's attorney, Thomas Blake.
He was carrying a leather briefcase.
"Henry," he said calmly, "we need to speak privately."
Henry folded the photograph and placed it inside his pocket.
"About what?"
"Your grandfather's estate."
"Not now."
Thomas looked toward the grave.
"I think now is exactly when we should discuss it."
Henry followed him into the cemetery chapel.
The lawyer opened his briefcase.
"Richard changed his will six days before his death."
Henry stared at him.
"Changed it how?"
"Almost everything."
"Who inherits the company?"
Thomas hesitated.
"That's the problem."
"What problem?"
"The final will names no primary heir."
Henry frowned.
"That's impossible."
"I thought so too."
Thomas produced a document.
Richard's estate—estimated at nearly eight billion dollars—was to remain in a legal trust until a specific condition was fulfilled.
"What condition?"
Thomas looked uncomfortable.
"The person who discovers the truth about Richard's death becomes the beneficiary."
Henry stared at him.
"You're telling me my grandfather designed an inheritance mystery?"
"Apparently."
"Why?"
"I don't know."
Henry suddenly remembered the photograph.
He removed it from his pocket.
"Do you recognize this man?"
Thomas looked at it.
His expression changed instantly.
For several seconds he said nothing.
Then he whispered,
"Where did you get that?"
"From my grandfather."
Thomas closed the briefcase.
"We need to leave."
"Why?"
"Because if Richard trusted you with that photograph, someone else may already know you have it."
A loud roar echoed outside.
Henry rushed back toward the grave.
May you like
Leo was staring at the chapel.
And behind him, someone had left a single black envelope on the coffin.
