“Connie’s favorite phrase,” I said.

Miguel gave a reluctant grin.

“She taught it to me when I bought that used truck.”

PART 9

My attorney, Rachel Bell, arrived before lunch.

Rachel had handled business contracts for me for eleven years, and she was the rare professional who could speak more calmly the angrier she became.

“We’ve notified your bank and major vendors that any purported transfer of authority requires independent confirmation,” she said.

“We’ve also secured copies of your existing estate documents.