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

It’s like a security blanket.”

Charles gave her a look.

She stopped tapping.

I carried my tea to the dining room.

Charles followed and slid the pocket doors halfway closed.

“You don’t have to make this hard,” he said.

“You sign the settlement by Friday, you take the money, and this stays in the family.”

“What stays in the family?”