Harrison looked from the booklet to Dean.

“Who approved those branch stamps, Dean?”

“I was acting as temporary executor under emergency family authority,” Dean said, brushing both coat sleeves with quick, jerky strokes.

“The estate was hemorrhaging money on county taxes.”

“The taxes on the lake lot were ninety-two dollars a year,” Sophie said, looking straight at Dean.

“My father paid them four years ahead.”

Dean opened his mouth to answer, then stopped as Mr.

Davis picked up the land transfer sheet and held it up to the morning light from the window.