I married my high school sweetheart at seventy-three to honor his final wish—but after his funeral, his lawyer came to my door and said, “You walked straight into his trap.”

jaw tightened, just for a second. Then it relaxed, and he changed the subject to the weather.

I didn’t think much of it at the time.

Raymond’s calls got stranger that same week.

“Are you seeing anyone, Nancy? At your age, you shouldn’t be alone. Family should have each other’s backs.”

“I’m fine, Raymond.”

“Have you thought about a will? God forbid, but continue reading …