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

“Why is my access code being rejected?”

I couldn’t hear Franklin’s end.

I didn’t need to.

I watched the front door through the gap between the storm door frame and the jamb, and the shape of Charles went still, then turned sideways, then moved fast toward the kitchen.

“Now listen carefully, Franklin, this is a misunderstanding.

Those are family papers, and that boy’s trust has nothing to do with my signature authority.”

A contraction pulled me forward onto my hands and knees.