I rushed to the police, and Bradshaw uncovered Pearson was about to fly to Morocco, where the U.S. had no extradition treaty. I followed, but she vanished at the airport.

Determined, I tracked down the collector who owned the third figurine. He demanded $750,000. I called Stevens to sell shares and raise the money. I bought the figurine and advertised its auction, hoping Dad would show.

At the auction, I heard a voice call, “$1 million!” It was Dad. He stood up, just as Bradshaw arrested him.

“Ryan?” Dad gasped. “You tricked me!”

“No,” I replied. “You faked your death, abandoned Mom, and ran off with your mistress.”

He looked down. “I was tired… I wanted a new life.”

“You forged your death, bribed a coroner, made us mourn a lie?” I stared him down. “You taught me, ‘A man should do what is right, not follow his selfish interests.’ Remember?”

Bradshaw confirmed Miss Pearson would be caught soon. Then Dad was taken away.