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“I assumed you’d say so, and I let her in. But when she left, she took several things with her. I don’t mean clothes for Dr. Perry. Things that aren’t hers to take.”

Archie said slowly, “Like what? What things?”

“Framed photos, a small vase, a porcelain figurine. She also took silver serving forks and spoons out of the china cabinet in the dining room. I’ve made a list.”

What the hell?

Archie expelled a long breath. “All right. Thanks for letting me know, Simmy. Can you do me a favor and phone a locksmith? I want all the locks changed today if that’s possible.”

Mrs. Simms said crisply, “I’ll do it now.”

“Thanks. I’ll be ho—back as soon I can.”

Mrs. Simms made a scoffing sound. “I’m not afraid to be in this house on my own. And I’m certainly not intimidated by Judith Winslow. I told her I was going to report every single thing she did.”

That must have been a jovial few minutes.

“Right. Thank you. Was Mrs. Winslow on her own or was Desi with her?”

“She was alone.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to you shortly.” Archie pressed to end the phone call.

Ms. Madison, who had listened attentively all the while Archie was on the phone, said, “Do I understand correctly that Mrs. Winslow entered McCabe House and removed items?”

“That’s how it sounds.” And it was incredibly awkward. Archie didn’t want to take legal action against Judith. John would surely not have wanted that. At the same time, how fucking dare she defy John’s wishes? After everything he’d done for her through the years?

“If you can supply me with a list of the items Mrs. Winslow removed from the house, I’ll prepare a formal letter of demand, reminding her of your legal ownership and informing her that failure to return the items could result in further legal action.”

Archie said, “I’d really prefer not to take legal action.”

“I understand. But John was worried about this kind of thing, and I promise you, he expected everyone…to heed his bequests, which absolutely includes his bequests to you.”

Archie began to get an inkling as to why John had decided to leave his affairs in the hands of Ms. Madison versus his dear old friend Priscilla Beckham—who was also a dear old friend of Judith’s.

“Mrs. Simms kept a list of the items Judith removed. I’ll make sure you get a copy.”

“Thank you.” Ms. Madison studied him, made a little face. “I know. It’s an uncomfortable situation. But you didn’t cause this situation. Ideally, Mrs. Winslow will take the demand letter seriously and the matter can be resolved privately.”

Archie’s nod was noncommittal. Uncomfortable was not an issue. That said, nothing he knew about Judith led him to believe Ms. Madison’s hopeful scenario.

Ms. Madison straightened the papers in front of her. “All right. I’m not sure if you’ve been in contact with Mr. Baker regarding John’s investments?”

“No. I haven’t had a chance to look at anything in detail yet.”

“I see. Well, I can give you an overview. Shall we start with the smaller investments? Your father was also an FBI agent, I understand?”

That seemed a sudden digression. Archie said, “Yes. He and my mother died in a car accident when I was fifteen.”

“Right. Yes. I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been. Are you aware of the financial provisions your parents made for you?”

Archie said slowly, “I didn’t think there were any, to be honest.”

Ms. Madison’s brows shot up behind the red squares of her spectacles. “Oh? Well, yes. There were. Your father was employed under the Federal Employees Retirement System, which meant you, as his surviving dependent, received a lump sum payment after his death.”

Archie blinked. This was news to him.

“You also received a payout under the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance.”