“Friday,” Edward said.
It was Wednesday.
Margaret turned toward the wall where Anthony had penciled the grandchildren’s heights. Beside the marks, Linda had stuck a small yellow note.
Paint before photographs.
Margaret had thought it meant family photographs.
Gabriella spoke quietly.
“We need to establish exactly what was sent and to whom. No more documents should be signed. Margaret should have independent advice about protecting the property and reporting the false signature.”
Linda gave a brittle laugh.
“You’re going to call the police over family paperwork?”
Margaret looked at the cream folder.
“I haven’t decided what I’m going to do.”
Edward exhaled.
She heard the relief and turned toward him.
“That is not a promise to protect you.”
CHAPTER 3 – What He Sent
Linda stood so abruptly that her water spilled.
“You don’t understand what happens if this falls apart.”
Margaret watched the water crawl toward Anthony’s old papers. She lifted them clear.
“Explain it.”
“We put money down on somewhere else.”
“With what money?”
Linda’s eyes flicked toward the sitting room.
Gabriella closed the dining-room door, leaving it unlatched.
“With an advance,” Linda said.
Edward sat down.
Margaret stared at him.
“You took money for my house?”
“I didn’t know she’d received it.”
“But you knew there was a buyer.”
“Yes.”
