“The ranger says we can hang this on the oak right behind her plot,” he said, nodding up at the great spreading branches.

“Told me the songbirds nest here every spring.”

Veronica’s whole face lit.

“Mommy loved bluejays,” she said, jumping up.

“Can we put it way up on the high branch?”

“Only if you hold the ladder for me, kiddo,” Reyes said, and led her toward the tree.

Chapter 15 — Officially Sealed

Naomi Vaughn, my family lawyer, came up the path a little while later with a slim manila folder under her arm.