It was the first time Brenda’s demands had sounded ridiculous rather than frightening.

“Should we respond?” Samantha asked.

“Only about practical matters,” I said.

“I don’t want contact with her.

Gavin can arrange for her to leave the house through the lawyers.”

At that point the house was still my legal residence, and it had not magically ceased being occupied simply because I had left.

My attorney explained the steps required to recover possession lawfully and safely.

We would not change locks while anyone remained inside, and I would not return alone to test whether Gavin’s newfound calm would last.