CHAPTER 4: What Aaron Knew Before the Sirens

Aaron had become quiet during the last month of his life.
Maya thought it was the company. Graydon Custom Homes had survived two bad deals, one lawsuit, and Vivian's habit of calling every crisis a test of family loyalty. Aaron came home late with dust on his jacket and worry hidden behind ordinary questions about dinner.
But he still left notes where Maya would find them.
Pick up the yellow file if anything happens.
Do not let them empty the den.
Trust Reyes if he comes. He played baseball with me in high school. He remembers things.
Maya had thought the notes were anxiety. After the funeral, when Vivian changed the locks before the flowers were removed from the church, Maya understood they were instructions.
The black folder held copies. Not originals. Aaron had been too careful for that. Deed records. Bank alerts. A signed declaration from two days before he died. A photograph of the suitcase packed exactly the way he had left it.
Maya did not tell Vivian what else was in the suitcase lining.
The dead often got one chance to speak. Aaron had prepared for his.