The sound echoed through the high ceilings of the foyer.

Thomas looked at me.

“He is bluffing about the appreciation,” Thomas said.

“Is he?” I asked.

“The law is clear on inherited property,” Thomas said.

“But the litigation will be expensive,” I said.

“Yes,” Thomas said. “He can delay the probate.”

“That is what he wants,” I said.

“He wants to force a settlement,” Thomas said.

The investigator stepped forward.

“The police are outside,” the man said.

“Already?” I asked.

“They were waiting for the transfer confirmation,” the man said.

He pointed to his tablet.

“The bank has officially flagged the activity as fraudulent,” he said.

We heard voices from the front hall.

The heavy oak front door opened again.

The sound of footsteps came toward the library.

I stood up and walked to the window.

The rain was starting to fall again, streaking the cold glass.

The gravel driveway was wet and dark.

Two blue lights flashed in the driveway, casting long shadows on the lawn.

Mark’s voice came from the hallway, loud and angry.

“I am the manager of this estate!” he yelled.