“He wanted documentation of Jason’s abandonment and financial misconduct in case you ever needed divorce protection.”
Aunt Ruth mutters, “Bless that stubborn man.”
Mr. Thompson places photographs on the desk.
Jason and Megan entering an apartment building together.
Jason using a joint credit card at a jewelry store.
Jason signing a lease with Megan as co-occupant.
Jason withdrawing cash from your shared account after ignoring your messages about your mother’s hospital bills.
Then Mr. Thompson shows you the final page.
A record of Jason searching property law, inheritance rights, and spousal claims two days after your parents’ accident.
Two days.
You were choosing caskets.
He was researching how to take what they left you.
Something inside you goes quiet again.
The same quiet from the night before.
You look at Mr. Thompson.
“What do we do?”
His expression hardens.
“We file first.”
