I took three cotton dresses from her closet and laid them on the desk before going to the master bedroom.

In the closet I pulled three dark canvas suitcases down from the top metal shelf.

I packed my winter coats, work shoes and personal clothes into them, yanking each zipper shut with a sharp pull.

Margaret appeared in the closet doorway as I lifted the second bag.

“Those three canvas suitcases belong to the household estate,” Margaret said, her voice smooth and flat.

“They’ve got my clothes in them,” I said, picking up the heavy handle.