mean appropriate.”
I opened the folder.
Evan Bennett.
Age thirty-eight at death.
Occupation: forensic accountant.
Cause of death: single-car accident on a rural road outside Lake Forest.
Survived by spouse, Claire Bennett, and minor children, Lily and Owen Bennett.
Previous spouse: Anna Vale Bennett. Listed as deceased in one filing, absent in another. No death certificate included.
I looked up. “What does that mean?”
“It means something is inconsistent.”
“Anna may be alive?”
“It means I don’t have proof she’s dead.”
“Find it.”
“I’m trying. Carefully.”
I turned the page.
Evan had no sister.
No aunt Rebecca.
No family friend listed.
One brother: Nathaniel Bennett.
Last known address: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Phone disconnected.
“Why would Claire tell them he didn’t want them?”
“Maybe he didn’t,” Elise said. “Maybe he couldn’t be found. Maybe Claire didn’t try.”
I looked at the accident report summary.
Road conditions clear.
No other vehicles involved.
No
