“We’re mixed, sir. The house last sold for a bargain price of three million two hundred thousand two years ago. Houses in this area have appreciated at seven percent a year for over twenty-five years, and lately the process is accelerating. But there would be the continuing expenses for insurance, maintenance, cleaning, gardening, pool service, water and power, and security, all amounting to a substantial cost. Property taxes are limited to about one and a half percent in California, but at three million, that’s still forty-five thousand a year. And of course, the intangibles and unknowables might make keeping the property unwise.”

“Examples?”

“Mr. Summers was in contact with some people who were worrisome. Before he passed away, he made and received phone calls from some of them, including two of the men who were with him at his death. Before that, he was a regular client of female escorts, who were driven to his house. This raises the possibility that other people, from drug suppliers to friends of these women, might—”

“I get the idea,” Charlie said. “I’m going to take both papers with me. I’ll go and look at the house, and then I’ll send you the order we want executed.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll get some pre-addressed envelopes to go with them.”

“And these are the last papers?”

“Yes.”

“You know that I represent all the heirs of Brian Summers, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

“And there are no other assets?”

“No, sir. Actually, you’re just claiming the assets of a company that never had an independent existence. You just took possession as though in an uncontested repossession.”

“Right. Good work, Tyler. And please give my compliments to the other attorneys. You worked quickly. Can you have somebody drive me to the house and show me around? I’d like to catch a plane out early tomorrow morning. You know how it is. If you’re not out of Los Angeles early, then by the time you reach New York, the whole day is gone.”

As Charlie walked back out to the office, Dale arrived with his coffee, so Charlie sipped it as he went to inspect his cousin’s space. He made sure he went through his cousin Paul’s desk and his cabinets thoroughly enough. There was no problem, because he found no papers at all, let alone anything with the Duquesne family name on it. He knew that searching the house would take a bit longer. As soon as he was sure there was nothing that would further embarrass the family in that house, he would authorize its immediate sale. He should easily make the 7:00 a.m. flight.

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