The paper tore beneath my finger, and for a moment I could not make myself unfold the letter.
Jasper’s handwriting was visible across the top page.
Slightly slanted.
Dark blue ink.
The same handwriting that had filled birthday cards, grocery lists, notes tucked into Toby’s lunch when he was younger, and little reminders on the refrigerator during the worst months of treatment.
I heard Rose sniffling in the back seat.
Toby stood beside the open passenger door, staring toward the porch where Frederick and Avery were still waiting for us to leave.
I unfolded the page.
Hazel, if they ever turn against you, don’t argue with them.
Call Attorney Miles Abernathy.
My stomach tightened.
I kept reading.
The house belongs to you.
The lake property belongs to you.
The business shares are being held in trust for you and the children.
Mom and Dad have no idea.
For several seconds, the words meant nothing because they meant too much.
I read them again.
Then a third time.
The house belongs to you.
I looked through the rain-streaked windshield at Frederick, who was standing on my porch with my key in his hand.
Avery had disappeared briefly inside.
She returned carrying one of the framed photographs from our entry table, a picture of Jasper with his parents at the lake.
She tucked it beneath her arm as though she were already sorting through an inheritance.
Toby leaned toward me.
“What does it say?”
I lowered the letter.
“It says your dad planned ahead.”
His expression changed, but I held up one finger.
“Get in the car.”
For once, he did not argue.
At the bottom of Jasper’s letter was a phone number for Miles Abernathy, the attorney whose name Jasper had mentioned only once or twice over the years.
I had assumed Miles handled routine business matters.
I called.
He answered on the third ring.
“Miles Abernathy.”
“My name is Hazel Beaumont.”
There was a pause.
Not confusion.
Recognition.
“Hazel,” he said carefully.
“Is Jasper gone?”
I closed my eyes.
“We buried him this morning.”
“I’m very sorry.”
I could hear papers moving on his end.
Then his voice changed from sympathy to focus.
“Did he give you the brown folder?”
“Yes.”
“Did something happen?”
I looked at Toby’s cheek.
“My in-laws locked us out.
Frederick hit Toby.
Avery took my wedding ring.
They’re saying the house belongs to the Beaumont family.”
Miles became silent for half a second.
