“Walter saw this possibility coming, and he recorded his decisions with great care.

That’s the sort of man he was.”

I eyed the third binder, the slimmest of them, and asked what was inside.

“A sealed personal statement.

Addressed to the probate judge.” Thomas laid his hand flat on the cover.

“Walter wrote it himself and asked that it stay sealed until the hearing.

If anyone challenges the will, the judge opens it.”

“What’s in it?”