Chapter 12

The real estate agent had considered showing them the contract, but Sebastian and Ronald were so convinced they were dealing with criminals that even if he had, they likely would have dismissed it as a forgery and torn it up. Even at the police station, both sides remained entrenched in their stories. "Officer Beckmoore, these are the arsonists! Arrest them now!" Exasperated, the agent snatched the purchase contract from his client and slapped it onto the desk. "Officer, it's all here in black and white. These two keep accusing us of forgery and fraud. We're considering a defamation suit!" Alex Beckmoore took the contract, examined it carefully, then offered Sebastian and Ronald a weary, apologetic smile. "Gentlemen, this contract is legitimate. The signatures are verified. As for the controlled burn, it doesn't meet the criteria for arson." Sebastian and Ronald froze. They grabbed the contract from Alex's hands, scanning it feverishly. The signature on the final page was unmistaka