“My lawyer needs the paperwork before the probate filing at nine.”

There was a pause, then the heavy click of a phone receiver hitting the cradle.

I backed away from the door one step at a time until I reached the swinging door into the kitchen pantry.

The kitchen was quiet, lit only by the small bulb over the stove hood.

I walked to the stainless steel sink and held the bottle under the warm running water.

Next to the counter, the large metal trash can sat with its lid slightly crooked.