“Money is legal tender no matter which account pays it out,” Gene said.

“This memo line says maternal claim,” I said.

“It doesn’t say estate settlement.”

“It covers everything,” Gene said, propping both forearms on the edge of the laminate table.

“You take that ten thousand now, or you hire lawyers and walk away with nothing when the probate court seals the records.”

My thumb pressed against my silver wedding ring, turning the band twice around the bone.

“You paid out thirty thousand dollars on a phony life insurance policy in nineteen ninety,” I said.