Whatever you have to say, you can say to me.”

I looked past her shoulder.

The apartment smelled of burnt toast and new carpet.

A cardboard box sat unopened by the coat closet, the shipping label still attached.

“He isn’t a child, Samantha.

Ask him to come to the door.”

She tilted her chin up and smiled without her eyes moving.

“He will cut off all contact with you and Evelyn unless you transfer the property deeds into a joint trust.