“It is a simple matter of common sense,” Serena said, her voice dropping to a theatrical whisper.

“Julian needs access to the liquid accounts to reimburse us for the funeral arrangements.”

“The funeral home billed two hundred twenty dollars for the flower stands,” I said.

“The estate account covers that directly.”

Serena pulled her coat around her shoulders without another word.

At four o’clock the side entrance of the First National Bank branch on Main Street clicked open, and a security guard showed me into a quiet back office.

Melissa Grant sat behind a gray desk with two computer screens glowing in front of her.