I am his sole surviving heir.

The downtown lot reverts to me; I’ve had my team confirm it.” And Arthur, with the faintest ghost of satisfaction, gestured toward me.

“Your father was married,” he said.

“Meet Nora Vance.

Julian’s lawful wife.”

Chapter 13 — A Deathbed Marriage Scam

Caleb turned his head slowly toward me, and assessed me, from my worn sneakers to the yellow sweater, with a single contemptuous glance.

Then his eyes dropped to the green backpack in my lap, and to the small red silk dress resting across my knees.