“He brought updated probate executor papers signed by the county clerk.”

“I’m Daniel’s widow,” I said.

“That lake account was opened in both our names when we bought the lot.”

“He put a formal administrative lock on any requests for old files until the estate is settled,” Martha said.

She folded her hands together on the countertop again, her knuckles going white.

“I can’t pull those folders for you, Clara.

Bank rules don’t let me go around the executor.”

“Did my brother-in-law say why he locked up those old statements?” I asked.