CHAPTER 3: The Officer Asked the Wrong Question

Officer Daniel Reyes was the first to step out of the patrol car.
He was not young enough to be impressed by Vivian's house and not old enough to hide how much he disliked family calls in the rain. His partner, Officer Lane, stayed near the second car with a notebook already open.
Vivian met them halfway down the walk. 'Thank you for coming. This woman refuses to leave private property.'
Maya wiped rain from her eyelashes. She had not cried when Vivian threw the suitcase. That seemed to irritate Vivian more than tears would have.
Reyes looked from the porch to the open luggage. 'Ma'am, are you the homeowner?'
Vivian answered before Maya could. 'I am Aaron Graydon's mother.'
'That was not the question,' Reyes said.
For the first time, Vivian's expression slipped.
Maya reached inside her jacket and removed a black folder sealed in a plastic sleeve. Her fingers were numb, but she kept them steady.
'My name is Maya Calder Graydon,' she said. 'This was my husband's home. The deed, the temporary restraining notice against property removal, and the probate filing are in this folder.'
Lucas took one step backward into the lighted doorway. He had expected grief. He had not expected paperwork.