June Calls From School

Claire denied it so quickly Elise knew part of it was true.

"I did not authorize anything," Claire said. "I have been upstairs all morning."

"Your digital signature says otherwise."

Theo had brought the tablet into an empty loan office because Martin had started calling people by first name in the lobby. That was his warning sign. Martin could make a room turn against a person without raising his voice.

Claire read the cremation authorization and pressed a hand against her stomach.

"That's my signature image," she said. "From the foundation forms."

"Convenient," Elise said.

Claire looked wounded, then angry. "Do not do that. You always think I am less afraid because I dress better."

"Are you afraid?"

Claire glanced toward the glass wall. Martin stood beyond it, speaking to the branch manager. "Yes."

That single word changed the room.

Elise softened before she could stop herself. Claire had played perfect daughter for so long that fear looked strange on her, like a borrowed coat.

"Then tell me what Vivian left," Elise said.

"I do not know."

"You are lying."

"I know she changed the trust. I know Martin was furious. I know Adam asked me last night whether I had any cash I could move without my husband seeing." Claire's voice lowered. "And I know June took something from Mother's study after the funeral."

Elise stared at her. "Your daughter?"

"She will not give it to me."

"Maybe she is smart."

Claire stepped close. "June is sixteen. If Martin thinks she has something useful, he will not treat her like a child."

The door opened. Martin did not knock.

"There you are," he said.

The branch manager hovered behind him with two security guards.

Martin looked only at Elise. "The bank needs you to leave. Until your identity is verified, your presence here creates a risk."

"My presence," Elise said, "or my pulse?"

Martin's eyes hardened for less than a blink.

Then June called Claire's phone. Claire answered on speaker by mistake.

"Mom," June whispered. "Granddad is at my school."

Martin smiled.