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

“Mrs.

Gallagher.” She had it in my hands before she reached the top step.

“Recorded.

Red seal, upper right corner.

I walked it through the queue myself, and I don’t do that for people.”

We sat at the kitchen table.

She slid the deed out and smoothed it flat with the edge of her hand.

“Book twelve forty-one, page six,” Edith said.