Chapter 6 - The Document in the Safe
Officer Vance stayed by my side, supporting my weight as we slowly moved toward the master wing, followed closely by Officer Miller. Ryan and Denise trailed behind us like gloating vultures, completely convinced that whatever paperwork was in that safe would validate their superiority.
“You’re pathetic, Elena,” Ryan whispered viciously as we walked down the corridor. “You think your little architectural firm salary counts for anything? You’re done. I’m taking everything. After I press felony charges for that skillet, you won't even have a license to practice.”
Denise smiled serenely. “I told you, Ryan. A woman must know her place. Today, she learns it behind bars.”
We entered the sprawling master study. Officer Miller pushed aside the large canvas painting to reveal the sleek, black digital safe embedded into the reinforced concrete wall.
“Put your thumb here, ma'am,” Miller instructed gently.
I pressed my right thumb against the glass sensor. The safe beeped with a soft electronic chime, the mechanical bolts sliding back with a solid *thunk*.
Miller opened the heavy steel door. Inside lay stacks of personal documents, several gold watches, and a thick, dark-blue leather binder labeled *PROPERTY ACQUISITION & TITLE RECORDS*.
Miller pulled out the heavy binder and flipped it open on the mahogany desk. Ryan leaned over his shoulder, a smug, arrogant grin plastered across his face.
“Read it out loud to her, Officer,” Ryan commanded smugly. “Tell her whose name is on the title.”
Officer Miller adjusted his reading glasses, his eyes scanning the certified municipal deed, stamped by the county recorder’s office. He turned the page, examining the purchase contract, the wire transfer confirmation, and the closing settlement statement.
His expression changed from professional neutrality to profound, icy disgust.
Miller slowly looked up from the parchment, his gaze bypassing me entirely and fixing directly onto Ryan Mercer.
“Sir,” Officer Miller said, his voice dropping into a dangerous, low register. “What did you say your full legal name was?”
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“Ryan Thomas Mercer,” Ryan answered proudly, puffing out his chest. “Why?”
Officer Miller tapped the heavy document with his index finger. “Because according to the State Land Registry, the warranty deed, and this certified cashier’s check from the Bank of America Trust Division... Ryan Thomas Mercer does not own a single square inch of this property.”
