“Every account in Frank’s name is frozen until the probate judge issues a final distribution order.”

“Frank brought in boxes of donuts every Friday for fifteen years,” Lisa added, lowering her voice further.

“I’m sorry about this, Mara, but my district supervisor flagged the account directly.”

“The funeral home needs a deposit by four o’clock tomorrow,” I said.

“Unless Gene signs a temporary release form, this branch can’t pay out a single dollar.”

She slid my uncashed check back across the marble counter with a sympathetic nod.

I folded the check into my coat pocket and walked out into the cold rain.