Mr.

Vance blotted the black ink with care, slid the pages into his briefcase, and snapped the brass latches closed.

“Everything’s signed, Mrs.

Briggs,” he said, rising from the crate.

“The house and the children’s trusts are fully recorded.”

He straightened his necktie and held out his hand.

“I’ll deliver certified copies of the property deed to your son’s legal representative at eight thirty tomorrow morning.”

“Take them straight to Daniel at his sales office,” I said.