But I was not prepared for our reunion to become a conversation about money.

Three days later, I received an email from an address I did not recognize.

Its subject line said: FAMILY MATTERS.

The sender introduced himself as Warren Mercer, David’s eldest son.

He wrote that Evelyn had become confused and emotionally unstable following her husband’s death.

He said strangers had been exploiting her loneliness and warned me against accepting any gifts or entering into financial agreements with her.

At the bottom he added: My attorneys will be contacting you regarding any property currently in your possession.