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

I didn’t take it right away.

The envelope was heavy, and the corner had a faint blue county land records stamp.

“The estate has no claim on this house,” I said.

Courtney smiled with her mouth only.

“Charles says the paperwork disagrees.

He wants to be fair, Victoria.

He could have sent a sheriff.”

“He could have called me.”