“I know, sweetie,” I said.

“Isn’t the house ours anymore, Mom?”

I taped the top flaps of the box closed, pressing the brown tape down hard with the heel of my hand.

“This house is ours,” I said.

“We’re going to stay next door with Grace for a few days while Evelyn talks to the judge.”

Deputy Miller knocked twice on the open front door frame downstairs.

“It’s ten past ten, Claire,” his voice came up the stairwell.