Fear gave my frail mother a surge of strength. Together we shoved a massive antique oak dresser across the floor, wedging it beneath the knob, then dragged an armchair on top.

Seconds later Daniel hit the door. The wood groaned under his weight.

“Open the door, Claire!” he bellowed.

THWACK.

The center panel shuddered. He was swinging the poker like an axe.

“I sent everything to the Attorney General last night, Daniel!” I shouted, hoping to plant doubt in his rage. “The offshore accounts, the forged notary, the fake doctor!