I looked back at the folder. “Do Scott and Amber know about this structure?”

“They’ve been told the basic terms,” he said. “I expect they’ll be calling you.”

Driving home that October afternoon, I kept glancing at the folder on the passenger seat, feeling the weight of it settle deeper with every mile.

Chapter 4 — The Calls

Scott called before I reached my apartment. His voice was careful and sympathetic — condolences first, then how was I holding up, and only gradually toward the estate.

He said the process seemed straightforward and that he hoped we’d work through it together. Then he suggested we sell the house as quickly as possible.