Chapter 7 - WHAT THE NECKLACE WAS REALLY FOR
Three days later, Evelyn called Morgan with an update.
The necklace had been examined by an independent electronics specialist.
The results confirmed that the pendant contained a miniature Bluetooth tracking component.
It had been concealed inside the decorative casing and was not disclosed as part of the gift.
The device's limited range meant it could not independently track Morgan across the country, but it could help someone with a compatible nearby receiver detect her presence.
The specialist also identified residue from a deteriorating colored coating and corroded metal components that explained the cloudy blue water and black flakes.
There was no evidence of poison.
No mysterious substance designed to make Morgan sick.
The danger had been less sensational.
And, in some ways, more frightening.
Someone had tried to make surveillance look like love.
Evelyn explained that the device itself couldn't prove who installed it or how Julian intended to use it. But combined with his messages and the suspicious property documents, it was evidence worth preserving.
Morgan listened quietly.
Then she asked, "Why would Julian need to track me?"
"We don't know for certain," Evelyn replied. "But your husband and Victor were arranging meetings about the property. Knowing when you were nearby, or when you left a particular location, might have helped them coordinate their plans."
Morgan remembered how Julian had insisted she wear it.
How he wanted her at dinner.
How he'd asked her to bring identification.
A terrible possibility formed in her mind.
"He wanted me to sign something."
"That's what we're investigating."
"And if I refused?"
Evelyn paused.
"Then the transaction might not have gone forward. That's why we need to establish what happened rather than assume the worst."
Morgan nodded, grateful for the distinction.
For the first time, she understood that she didn't need to invent a terrifying explanation.
The facts were frightening enough.
The following week, her attorney uncovered another piece of the puzzle.
A title company had received an electronic package containing the questionable purchase agreement, a copy of Morgan's identification, and instructions for an expedited closing.
The package had been submitted by someone claiming to act with Morgan's authorization.
But when the title company attempted to verify her consent directly, the provided contact number led to a phone that was not hers.
The company had paused the transaction.
Morgan's attorney formally disputed the documents and provided evidence that Morgan had not authorized the sale.
The title company confirmed that no transfer would proceed without proper verification.
Her grandmother's cottage was still hers.
But the investigation wasn't over.
Because Evelyn had discovered something else.
Victor Kessler had been involved in three other disputed property transactions over the previous six years.
In each case, the property belonged to someone who had trusted a romantic partner or family member with financial information.
In each case, a company associated with Victor had attempted to acquire the property at a substantial discount.
And in two cases, the owner had later challenged the authenticity of documents.
Morgan read the summary twice.
Then she looked at Eleanor.
"Rebecca wasn't the only one."
Eleanor shook her head.
"No."
Morgan closed the folder.
"Then I want to help."
Evelyn leaned forward.
"Help how?"
"By telling investigators everything I know. Every message. Every loan. Every conversation Julian had with me about the cottage."
Her voice grew stronger.
"And if anyone else has been hurt by this, I want them to know they're not alone."
Eleanor reached across the table.
For the first time since Morgan had met her, the elderly woman smiled without sadness.
"Rebecca would have liked you."
May you like
Morgan squeezed her hand.
"I think I would have liked her, too."
