The box is rented under a contract, and the contract terminates on the renter’s death, and the right to open it passes to the person with legal authority over the deceased’s property.

Which is the executor.

Which is Richard.

The one thing in that entire estate that my grandmother could not protect, and the one thing she chose to put the most important document of her life inside, was the only thing her son had actual lawful authority over.

I asked Arthur whether Richard had been to the vault.

And Arthur said: “He has asked.

Twice.