“Full pastoral retirement,” Arthur said smoothly.

“The church will pay your pension at seventy-five percent starting next month, plus twenty-four months of full medical coverage.

We’ll cover all of Margaret’s hospital and hospice bills straight out of the parish reserve without touching her private estate.”

Margaret gave a short, quiet laugh that turned into a soft cough.

“And what do you want in exchange, Arthur?” she asked, shifting her weight against her extra pillow.

“Just your signatures on this standard settlement release,” Arthur said, tapping the white cover lightly with one polished fingernail.