“That may be part of the answer.

But first we establish where it came from, whether it’s been reported correctly, and what the trust and estate documents actually direct.” He leaned forward.

“Please don’t spend it, deposit it in pieces, or move it around until we finish documenting it.”

I could feel Elise relaxing.

Finally somebody was talking about procedures instead of fairy-tale fortunes.

Arthur, Mr.

Bennett explained, had sold a strip of undeveloped land several years earlier.

Some proceeds were deposited through ordinary banking channels.