My legal team needs to file the probate claim before the courts close today.” No grief.

No question about his father’s final hours, his final words, whether he had suffered, whether anyone had been with him.

Only the forms, and the probate claim, and the courthouse deadline.

Arthur did not flinch.

“You’re too late, Caleb,” he said, evenly.

“Your father’s estate is not entering probate.” Caleb’s eyes narrowed.

“What are you talking about?

He had no living spouse.