Mr.

Bradley tapped his pen twice against the desk blotter, firmly.

“If there are no further questions regarding the filing of this document,” he said evenly, “I’ll ask everyone to clear the room so I can prepare the probate paperwork.”

My children and Shirley rose and filed out into the hallway, their voices dropping again into those hushed, conferring tones.

Shirley gave my shoulder one last gentle squeeze as she passed.

I braced my hands on the armrests and was gathering myself to stand when Mr.