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There was a cold, sinking sensation in Archie’s gut. Finally, belatedly, he understood why Ms. Madison insisted he needed to be present for the reading. Understood why Judith did not want him there, why, despite his long absence, her hostility toward him had only continued to grow.

As if completely unaware of the emotions roiling through the room, Ms. Madison read in a firm, calm tone, “Article Three. Residue of Estate. All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, real and personal, wherever situated, including my yacht named the El fantasma blanco, McCabe House and all its contents, and all other monies and properties owned by me at the time of my death, I give, devise, and bequeath to Archer Everett Crane, who I have long considered my beloved son, to be his absolutely and in perpetuity.”

Chapter Six

“I knew it!” Judith leapt up and pointed in accusation at Archie. “You murdered my brother!”

“Mother!” Desi’s horrified protest was barely audible, as everyone burst into speech.

“Judith, what are you saying?” Mila’s cry seemed to be the shocked consensus.

Despite his training and experience, Archie also shot to his feet. Somewhere in the distance, he was aware that Ms. Madison was warning Judith about the possible penalties for committing slander, but he could barely hear her over the ringing in his ears.

“You’re out of your mind. Me kill John?”

Judith didn’t waver. “I know you did. I know it with all my heart!”

He could see that she really did believe it, really believed he was capable of murdering John. John, for whom he’d have gladly traded the house, the boat, every single goddamned cent, to have back in his life again. For a bunch of stuff he’d never wanted and never had any clue John intended leaving him.

He knew there was no point in responding, knew he needed to stay calm and rational, keep it cool and professional, but something had happened to him over the last two days. His control cracked.

“You know zip, if that’s what you think.” He said furiously, “There’s no way in hell I’d have ever harmed John. I only just got back here. I had no idea John planned on leaving me anything. Let alone—”

“That’s why you came back. I knew there had to be a reason.”

Ms. Madison tossed the sheaf of papers aside, and left her desk. “I’m sorry, but I think it might be wise to adjourn for now. I’m happy to speak with everyone one-on-one later this week.” She made a little rise, congregation! gesture, and everyone stood up.

The other beneficiaries were still talking—loudly—but for Archie, and no doubt for Judith, they were the only two people in the room, and they continued their exchange as the others reluctantly gathered their belongings, still offering their thoughts and opinions as they shuffled toward the door.

“Judith, you’re wrong. John never discussed his will with me. I don’t give a damn about any of that stuff. You can have it all. Take the damned house. I don’t—”

“Archie, stop,” Ms. Madison’s voice cut through the uproar. “Now is not the time to make any decisions. In any case, John’s will contains certain clauses which both you and Mrs. Winslow still need to be made aware of.”

Arlo put his arm around Judith’s shaking frame. “Judith, now is not the time. We’ll deal with this through the courts.”

“He murdered my brother.”

“That’s a goddamned lie!” Archie snapped back. He was beyond appalled. It was one thing to resent his small share in John’s life. To accuse him of murder? Of murdering John? Was she out of her fucking mind?

Ms. Madison stepped in front of Judith and Arlo. “Mrs. Winslow, I can’t tell you how sorry I am for your loss. John was a wonderful man. But I must ask you to leave my office immediately.” To Arlo, she said, “She needs to go.”

Arlo was instantly affronted. “She needs to go? Really, counselor?”

“Yes, really,” Ms. Madison said. “She’s free to call me later with any questions. However, both Mrs. Winslow and Ms. Winslow need to be aware that their bequests contain no-contest clauses. If they attempt to sue Archie and lose—and they will lose, I can assure you—they forfeit their inheritances.”

“We’ll see about that,” Arlo returned. He put his other arm around a shell-shocked-looking Desi, ushering the Winslow ladies toward the door. Ms. Madison moved to join Archie as everyone filed past them, talking quietly, with many curious looks over their shoulders.

Ms. Madison said to Archie, “I’m so sorry. I can’t apologize enough. I should have realized there was the possibility of an outburst.”

Archie, already embarrassed about his own uncharacteristic reaction, brushed her apology aside. “It’s fine. I’m fine. I just don’t understand what John was thinking. Of course, his family is going to be upset. They’re already shocked and angry and…and grief-stricken.”

“As are you,” Ms. Madison returned tartly. “As for what John was thinking, he had his reasons. I’m not at liberty to discuss them.” She hesitated. “He told me that he left you a letter. I take it you haven’t yet read that.”

“This is the first I’ve heard about a letter.”

“I assume it’s in John’s safe. Once the police have released the house as a crime scene, you should be able to return and find the letter. Until you’ve read it, please withhold judgment.”

Archie said wearily, “I’m not judging him. I’m just confused.”