Deputy Sheriff Vance stood in the open doorway, his silver badge catching the dim light of the library.

Arthur nodded to him, then looked back at Victoria and Charles.

“What is the meaning of this?” Victoria demanded, her voice rising.

Arthur reached into his leather briefcase and pulled out a folded sheaf of papers bound in blue backing.

“This is a temporary court order,” Arthur said, his voice steady.

“Judge Albright signed it at noon today.”

He stepped forward, holding the document so Victoria could see the official red seal on the front page.

“It grants Eleanor forty-eight hours of supervised access to this property,” Arthur continued.

“She has the legal right to search for her personal effects and any documents related to Garrett’s estate.”

Charles looked from Arthur to the deputy, his face draining of color.

“That’s impossible,” Charles muttered. “We filed the eviction papers weeks ago.”

“The eviction was based on an incomplete probate filing,” Arthur replied.

“Until the validity of the previous will is established, this house remains under a temporary stay.”

Victoria glared at the metal cylinder still gripped in my hand.