32

Ryan and Adam arrived at Sabrina’s home thirteen minutes later.

“That was some great driving,” Adam said. “Thanks.”

They parked beside the Suburban. “I guess this is what her mom’s driving,” Adam said. “Nice.”

Ryan pointed to the house. “I’ll take the back.”

Adam waited until Ryan was behind the house and knocked on Sabrina’s door.

No answer.

He knocked again.

Still no answer.

He tried the door. Locked.

He pulled his key ring from his pocket.

Ryan emerged from the other side. “Dude, you have a key to her place? That’s moving awfully fast.”

“It’s not like that.” He slid the key into the lock and braced himself for what he might find. He opened the door and entered quickly. Ryan was on his heels.

Adam went right. “Clear.”

Ryan went left. “Clear.”

Sabrina’s phone was on the counter beside her laptop.

But where was she?

The whole time Mr. Kemp was talking, Sabrina was pressing down her panic and shoving aside the pain and confusion. There would be time for emotions later. But only if she could get them out of this—and the only way she could do that was to outsmart this guy. He was wearing gloves and was draped in plastic. She suspected he had a plan to stage a murder-suicide. Or maybe a double homicide with the mysterious assailant remaining at large.

She studied the room, looking for a way out. Something that would help her. The problem was that there wasn’t anything she could use as a weapon. There were lots of books and knickknacks but nothing sharp.

The caregivers had hidden everything that could be considered dangerous to protect Dad and themselves.

What she wouldn’t give for an antique letter opener right about now.

“So you think by killing us, you’ll get access to the money?” Her mom seemed skeptical.

“I know I will. I’ve been working on this plan for over three years. It’s solid.”

“And where did proposing to me fit into this solid plan of yours? Why not just kill me?” Her mom really did seem sad.

“I’m thorough,” he said. “It’s what has kept me in business all these years. I don’t leave loose ends. I think of every contingency. Keeping you close gave me access to your files, passwords, and records. And helped me be absolutely certain that you had no idea what my role in your life had been.”

He sighed. “And now it’s time for that to come to an end.”

Her mother gripped her hand. “I’m truly sorry, Sabrina.”