He lifted the handwritten letter and pushed it across the blotter toward my hands.

“He also left explicit directions for the Elm Street house,” Samuel continued, his gravelly voice softening slightly.

“The deed transfers directly to you upon the close of probate, entirely free of Julian’s debts or liens.”

I cleared my throat gently before speaking.

“Did Dad know Julian would try to take the house?” I asked.

“He knew Julian’s real estate firm was insolvent two years ago,” Samuel said.

“He watched your brother’s mail arrive at the house with collection stamps on it.”