Chapter 3 - THE SALE
The blue house belonged to Delaney’s late father, Victor Lane.
After his death, ownership passed equally to:
Delaney Lane Mercer — 40%.
Tessa Lane — 40%.
Their mother, Evelyn Lane — 20%.
The property itself was nothing glamorous.
An old two-story house.
Six acres.
Road frontage.
Damaged interiors.
Outdated wiring.
But the land had become valuable because a regional medical network wanted the parcel for an outpatient center.
Offer:
$1.8 million.
The family planned to sell.
Delaney’s expected gross share:
$720,000 before taxes and costs.
Rowan knew there was a sale.
He did not know it was scheduled that week.
Attorney Grace Bennett obtained the preliminary closing packet.
One document mattered immediately.
OWNER OCCUPANCY AND CONDITION AFFIDAVIT.
It stated:
The property is not currently occupied by minors or tenants and has been vacant for more than sixty days.
Rowan stared.
“My children were there.”
Grace nodded.
“Which makes this statement false.”
Signature:
Delaney Mercer.
Rowan said:
“She signed that?”
“Maybe.”
He looked at the date.
Two days before the children were found.
Then another form.
Property-insurance declaration.
Vacant dwelling.
Reduced contents coverage.
No regular occupants.
If the house had been occupied while insured as vacant, coverage questions followed.
If Delaney knowingly placed the children there while certifying vacancy, the problem became much worse.
Rowan asked:
“Why would she do that?”
May you like
Grace replied:
“First we find out whether she did.”
