Three Weeks After Lucas Was Gone, Charles Claimed the House on Maple Street

Courtney stepped closer to the table.

“The bank has already approved the appraisal.

Ten o’clock.”

“The deed is in my name,” I said.

Charles closed the folder.

“Deeds can be contested.

Houses can be sold.

You can stand there with your hand on your belly and tell me different, but I have the paperwork.”