If nobody files a legal challenge by five o’clock that afternoon, the probate judge signs off on the final distribution and Gene sells off the whole estate.”

I took out my planner and wrote the date across the top of a clean page.

“We need Howard Cobb.”

“Howard’s law office is still in the strip mall on Main Street,” Arlene said, writing a phone number in the corner of her pad.

“He only does consultations on Tuesday mornings now, but he’ll take your call if you mention my name.”

I left the diner and drove four blocks over to Birch Street.