A portion was withdrawn and kept at home against his advice.

The lawyer had copies of sale documents and financial records, but the exact amount in the suitcase still needed to be verified.

The house was titled in the name of a revocable living trust.

Arthur’s instructions named me as beneficiary when he died, subject to the trust’s terms and any lawful claims.

“Does that mean the house is mine?” I asked.

“It means Arthur intended it to pass to you.