“Robert turned up with a lawyer and an appraiser.”

She stopped while Brenda talked on the other end.

“He’s trying to force us out of our home,” Melissa said loudly.

“We think the grief has gotten to his mind.

He’s acting totally irrational, and we’re only trying to keep the kids safe while he lashes out.”

I took four leather-bound history books down from the mahogany shelf and put them in my canvas tote bag.

Brandon appeared in the library doorway, leaning his shoulder on the wooden frame.