On the drive back the streetlights were already blinking on, one block after another.

I carried the statements out to the porch swing and sat with them until darkness settled over Birwood Lane.

The brass key was in my pocket and the folder lay in my lap.

The whole thing fit together like a field map.

Robert filed his contest ten days after the funeral, before the estate inventory was due in probate court.

If the will was thrown out, he would step in as executor.