The funeral had already been scheduled, and the Laskin family estate was moving forward with preparations as if everything was normal. My brother Evan and his wife Tessa had both sent messages that were brief, formal, and emotionally empty, asking me to arrive without delay and avoid unnecessary disruption.
When the car stopped near the hotel reserved for family members, a man was already waiting near the entrance. He introduced himself as Graham Laskin, chief executive of Westbrook Meridian Holdings, the company where Kendra had worked as an accountant for several years. His presence carried urgency that did not belong in a setting meant for condolences.
He said, “You are Avery Callahan, I need to speak with you privately before the funeral proceedings begin because your sister left information that cannot be discussed in any public environment.”
I replied, “If this concerns inheritance procedures or corporate formalities, then you are approaching the wrong moment for that kind of discussion.”
He lowered his voice and answered, “This is not about inheritance or formal procedure, because your sister believed she was being watched and potentially targeted before her death.”