“Rosalie and I are moving to Florida. We’ve sold Mother’s house on Charlotte Street and we’re going to put the town house on the market this month.”
“I’m tired of the cold winters,” Rosalie says. “It never snows in Florida.”
I ignore her. I think of Mama’s little yellow house, her trim lawn, her cozy furniture. “You sold Mama’s house without telling me?”
“We needed the money to help finance the builders.” Felix shrugs. “Besides, I’m the one who bought it for her.”
Yes, with the money Da had meant for both of us to share. That house could have been mine, were it not for my brother’s greed. “Where in Florida?”
“Coral Gables. We’re very excited,” Rosalie says, smiling too brightly. Everything is too bright about her, from her hair to the outlandish orange frock she’s wearing. She grips Felix’s hand, squeezing until his knuckles turn white. When I don’t return her smile, her painted lips purse. “Are you all right, Sadie? You seem a bitoff.”
I lift my teacup, squinting against the afternoon sun. “I’m feeling fine, Rosalie. Only a little tired.”
“We were both surprised when we found out you’d come here,” she continues.
“I’ve surprised everyone, it seems.” I direct my attention back to my brother. “Did you bring my allowance, Felix?”
“Oh yes. Of course. And I’ll continue to send the monthly stipend to you from Florida, so don’t worry yourself over that.” He leans close to me, his sharp bergamot cologne making my eyes water. “Have you spoken to Marguerite about the estate?”
“She’s not out here. No need to whisper.”
“I’d like to see the deed to the house, if you have it.”
“I don’t. But why?” My hands tighten on the chair arms.
“Marguerite doesn’t have any children. Her estate needs to be in order before the inevitable happens.”
Rosalie smiles. “Felix is always planning ahead.”
“I can see that.” Even through my sleepless haze, I know they’re circling, like hungry lions, eager for blood. “Doesn’t probate require the proceeds of an estate to be equally divided among all living heirs?”
“It does if a person dies without a will. That’s why we need to make sure Margueritehasa will, so her wishes can be carried out. As I’m the oldest male relative, I should be the executor of her estate.”
“Yes. Just like you were with Da and Mama. You made surethatwas all in place. Felix the Fixer. That’s what your clients call you, isn’t it?” I narrow my eyes, noticing Mama’s best pearls wrapped around Rosalie’s long, turkey-thin neck. “Will I get anything from the sale of Mama’s house? And the Troost Avenue town house? I remember what Da’s will said, Felix.”
Felix suddenly looks uncomfortable, as if my words have caused a bout of indigestion. “I’ve invested your share of Charlotte Street on a parcel of land in Florida. I plan on selling it later, at a higher price, and sending you the proceeds.”
“I see,” I say coolly. “How thoughtful of you.” I already know I won’t see a dime of that money. It’ll all go to finance Rosalie’s gaudy wardrobe.
“It’s called buying a binder,” Rosalie says excitedly. “You purchase a parcel of land and resell the binder later, at a much higher price. We’ve bought three parcels so far. We’ve already sold the first at two hundred percent.”
Felix nudges Rosalie. Shakes his head.
“Sounds a bit like highway robbery,” I say flatly. I couldn’t care less about their real estate ventures. I want them to leave so I can make time with Weston in our Parisian hideaway before Harriet goes home.
“Truly, Sadie. You don’t look well. Have you eaten anything today?” Felix’s forehead creases with mock concern.
I lift a tea biscuit to my lips with a trembling hand. “There. I’m eating,” I say, crumbs tumbling from my mouth. “Where are the boys? I thought we’d get to see them.”
“They’re at home with our nurse,” Rosalie simpers. “We like to get away, from time to time. Just the two of us.”
“How nice,” I say.Now leave. Please.“Will you be spending the night?”
“We’re staying at the Crescent. No need to go to any trouble.” Felix rises, buttoning his sport coat. “If you happen to run across the deed, phone me, won’t you? I don’t trust the fellow who drove us here from the station. He seems a bit opportunistic. We need to get a proper will drawn up as soon as possible.”
I rankle at my brother’s insinuation. “He’d never take advantage. Beckett cares deeply about Aunt Marg.”
“I’m sure he does,” Felix says, smirking. “That’s quite a car he gets to tool around town in.”
