“Julian,” my father said, his voice cutting through the sound of the rain. “I told you what would happen if you contacted my daughter.”

Julian didn’t step back, but his hand tightened around the manila envelope.

“You don’t threaten me anymore, Richard,” Julian said.

“Get in the car,” my father ordered, looking at me.

His eyes were cold, two dark slits beneath his wet brow.

“She is staying right here, Mr. Parker,” Arthur said, stepping closer to me.

My father finally looked at the estate lawyer, his lips curling into a sneer.

“This is family business, Pendelton. You have no standing here.”

“I represent the estate of Evelyn Parker,” Arthur said calmly. “That gives me all the standing I need.”

The rain began to fall harder, drumming against the hood of Julian’s car.

I looked at Julian, then at the sealed envelope in his hand.

“You sent the texts,” I said to Julian. “The blocked number. The warnings about my grandmother’s signature.”

Julian nodded, his eyes fixed on my father.