“If you divorce,” Thomas said, “the estate does not split.”

“It goes to me,” I said.

“No,” Thomas said.

He paused.

“If you divorce while the estate is in probate, the property is transferred to a trust,” Thomas said.

“A trust managed by whom?” I asked.

“By a third party,” Thomas said.

“Who?” I asked.

“Your father’s brother,” Thomas said.

I felt my breath catch in my throat.

“Uncle Arthur?” I whispered.

“Yes,” Thomas said.

“But Arthur is…” I started.

“Arthur has been waiting for this,” Thomas said.

He looked toward the window.

“And Arthur has already filed the papers,” Thomas said.

The phone on the table began to ring again.

This time, it was my phone.

The screen showed an unknown number.

I reached out and picked it up.

My hand was cold.

I pressed the button and put the phone to my ear.

“Claire,” a deep, familiar voice said.

It was Arthur.

“I hear there is trouble at the house,” he said.

“Arthur,” I said.

“I am coming to take what is mine,” Arthur said.

“Arthur,” I said, my voice barely a whisper.