In the kitchen, I filled the copper kettle at the sink, turned the stove burner to high, and cleared a spot on the grandfather oak desk in the corner before moving to the table.

I laid the summons flat between two placemats and read page two.

The legal language was precise.

It claimed I had been absent from the property for nine straight years during my active deployments with the Navy SEALs.

Page three held the key legal argument.

My parents claimed my long absence amounted to legal abandonment of the Cedar Lane farm under Virginia state tenancy laws.

“They’re calling it abandonment in official court print, Evelyn,” I said out loud.

Knox rested his chin on my boot.

The kettle started its low whistle on the stove.

I poured boiling water into a green clay mug, dropped in a black tea bag, and watched the steam rise into the cold kitchen air.

I took my phone out of my jacket and called Daniel Vance at his law office on High Street.

“Daniel,” I said when he picked up.

“My parents filed a property division suit against my deed.”

“What’s the case number?” Daniel asked.