She did not promise that every dollar could be recovered.

Some transactions were old; others involved businesses with their own debts.

There would be records to examine, formal filings, and possibly litigation.

“We pursue what the law and evidence support,” she told them.

“Not the outcome that would make the best family story.”

I thought of how differently Harold had presented the trust from what the documents showed.

He’d acted as though the estate belonged to him because he’d spoken most loudly about it.

Then Dana opened a second envelope.