Chapter 4

Alexandria

Alton’s voice resonated through the office. “What I’m about to say may come as a shock. It may seem archaic, but I guarantee it's true and legal. Ralph Porter volunteered to be here to show you the documentation, but I told him it wouldn’t be necessary. No one in this room would refute my claim.”

It was a dare, one I wasn’t stupid enough to accept. I had no idea what Alton was about to say, but whatever it was, when I could, I would most certainly be requiring documentation.

“This all began after Russell Collins died,” Alton went on, speaking to me. “Your grandfather was concerned about the future of Montague—everything Montague. You can understand how anxious he was about leaving it in Adelaide’s hands. He wanted to know, needed to know, that a capable man was in control. He chose me.”

“He chose you?” The words slipped out before I could censor them.

Alton’s gray eyes captured mine. “Do not interrupt. Do you remember your two questions?”