“We simply must clear the title quickly so Julian can settle the estate debts.”

Uncle Raymond sat at the laminate table with a mug of black coffee, rubbing his thumb over the dark knuckles of his left hand.

“Victor’s service isn’t until Friday, Serena,” Raymond said in his short, gravelly voice.

“The dirt isn’t turned yet.”

“We are only thinking of the family’s financial stability,” Serena said, setting down a sleeve of paper plates.

“Julian says Victor promised him total control over the property sales to pay off those medical balances.”