“It was meant to pay my tuition at Ellison University.”

“We did what was necessary to protect our assets,” Dad replied, turning back to his screen.

“You will get your turn, once your brother’s situation is resolved.”

A sudden flash of blue and red light cut through the rain-streaked window.

The colored lights swept across the oil paintings on the wall and bounced off the silver coffee pot.

Then came the sound of car doors slamming in the wet gravel of our driveway.

Multiple doors.

Brandon froze, his glass stopping halfway to his mouth.

“What is that?” Mom asked, her voice rising an octave as she ran to the window.

“There are three police cruisers outside.”

The heavy brass knocker on our front door rattled the wood frame.

A loud, authoritative voice boomed from the porch.

“State Police! Search warrant! Open the door!”

My father stood up so fast his chair scraped loudly against the hardwood floor.

His face drained of all color, leaving his skin a dull, chalky grey.

“Who did this?” he hissed, his eyes darting to Brandon, then landing on me.

“Dad, I didn’t do anything, I swear to God!” Brandon stammered, spilling his drink onto his trousers.

The knocking came again, harder this time, vibrating through the floorboards under my feet.

“Open the door immediately, or we will force entry!” the voice yelled.

My mother dropped her coffee cup.

The hot brown liquid pooled on the beige wool rug, spreading slowly.

She began to sob, her hands covering her face.

My phone buzzed in my palm, a sharp, violent vibration.

I looked down at the screen.

The text came from an unknown, unlisted number.

*Arthur Pendelton is looking for you,* the message read.

*They didn’t just steal your college fund, Ava.*

*Look at the second will.*

My breath caught in my throat.