“How much will it be after the fees?” I asked.

“Just over two million dollars,” Jennifer said.

A vision of a house I had seen online a few days ago flashed through my mind.

It was an old historic stone estate on Mapleton Hill.

It had high stone walls, a deep backyard with mature oak trees, and a wrap-around porch.

It was listed for exactly one point eight million.

I wanted to buy it in my name only.

I wanted to paint the nursery yellow for Ivy.

“Let’s get the wire transfer finalized,” I said.

Jennifer smiled. “I’ll call the real estate representative, Elliot, right now.”

Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my hand.

It was an unknown number, but the area code was local.

I tapped the screen to answer it.

“Tessa?” a frantic voice said.

It was Karen, Brent’s sister.

“Karen, do not call this number,” I said.

“Tessa, you have to help us,” Karen sobbed. “The property managers are here with the sheriff’s deputies. They are throwing our things onto the lawn.”

I stood perfectly still in the quiet hallway of the legal office.