PART 6 — WHAT JULIAN HAD PROMISED
Morgan learned the next part not from Julian but from Celeste.
The woman called three days after Morgan left home, speaking in a brittle, hurried voice.
“I need to know whether you signed anything,” Celeste said.
Morgan put the call on speaker with Priya beside her. “Why?”
“Because Julian told me you agreed to the cottage sale.”
“I didn’t.”
Silence.
“He told me you’d changed your mind,” Celeste said. “He said you were embarrassed to discuss money in front of people.”
“Did you help him buy a necklace?” Morgan asked.
Celeste inhaled sharply. “What necklace?”
“The one he bought using a false name.”
“I don’t know anything about a necklace.” Her voice cracked. “Morgan, he borrowed money from me. A lot. He said the sale was happening and I’d be repaid from the proceeds.”
“How much?”
“Eighty thousand dollars.”
Morgan gripped the edge of the desk.
