I turned the deadbolt.

The metal mechanism clicked into place with a solid, final sound.

I stood with my back against the door, my eyes closed.

The apartment was completely quiet now.

The only sound was the steady drip of the kitchen faucet and the rain against the window.

I walked back into the kitchen.

The torn pieces of the deed transfer papers were still scattered across the table.

I picked up one of the pieces.

It had my father’s signature line on it, torn cleanly down the middle.

I threw it into the trash can under the sink.

My hands were shaking.

I walked over to the counter and picked up my glass of water.

I tried to take a sip, but my hand shook so hard the water spilled over my fingers.

I set the glass down.

On the counter, my phone vibrated.

A long, continuous buzz.

I picked it up, expecting another text from Megan.

But the screen showed a notification from my bank.

It was an alert for an external transfer.

My heart sank.

I opened the app, my thumb trembling as I entered my password.