Caroline leaned forward, her analytical eyes scanning the first page of the document.

“This document grants you unilateral right of refusal on all disbursements,” she observed.

“It protects you, Caroline,” Thomas said, his face flush.

“Rebecca’s family is already circling.”

“They want to use your money to clear their own debts.”

“That is a lie,” Rebecca said, her voice cracking.

“I brought her the truth, Thomas.”

“You brought her a headache and a target on her back,” he snapped.

I watched Thomas closely.

He was sweating despite the cool breeze coming through the open door.

When he reached to adjust his collar, I saw his wristwatch.

It was a cheap plastic digital watch, not his usual gold Omega.

My mind began to catalog these details.

The frayed cuff.

The cheap watch.

The desperate, hurried drive from Richmond on a Tuesday night.

“I need time to review this, Thomas,” Caroline said, her voice remarkably calm.

“We do not have time,” Thomas said, his voice dropping to an urgent whisper.

“The court probate office opens at nine tomorrow morning.”

“Once the filing is public, the predators will swoop in.”