I was at a crossroads.  On the one hand, I could go back to Aunt Becky or start a new life wherever, and just put all of this behind me.  Let it fade into a memory that became a dream that became a ghost haunting some forgotten corner of my mind.  It wouldn’t be hard to do.  In fact, it would be an easier and more comfortable life than I had ever known.

On the other hand, I could live a life that mattered.

I don’t know where this is leading, but I don’t believe it was a mistake.  And when I think of all my family has lost, all my father lost, I feel like it should amount to more than me just getting off the hook.  Especially if this woman is as bad as Harvey thinks and there’s a chance she could get free again.  If there’s something I can do to help, I need to do it, or I’m still just going to be running the rest of my life, even if it’s just from my own guilt.

That’s why I’m sitting in the probate court of Albion County, Colorado with the lawyer I hired two months ago.  I had to convince him to take the job without a retainer, but he knows there’s money to be made.  He may only be a bit older than me, and he keeps fidgeting nervously while we wait, but he’s smart, and has accomplished a lot in the last few weeks.

A woman comes up from the back and approaches us.  After glancing at my lawyer, she turns her attention to me.  “May I help you, Miss?”

I smile and nod.  “Yes ma’am.  I’m here to file a claim to property that was previously seized by the county by default.  See, I recently learned I’m the sole blood relative through a combination of genealogy research and DNA testing.  My lawyer Petey…Mr. Johanson, has the necessary paperwork to pursue the claim.”

The woman’s eyes widened and she held up her hands with a laugh.  “Whoa, there.  Too much information.  I’ll leave all that to the judge.  For now, can you just tell me the name of the estate and the property?”

I laughed as well and nodded.  “Sorry, I’m a bit nervous.  The estate’s name is Angelica Lamark.  As for the property, I don’t know what it’s plat number or whatever is, but I can tell you what it is.  Why I’m here.”

The woman nodded, her face already growing troubled at the mention of the Lamark name.  “Okay, honey, tell me.”

“I’m here to claim ownership of the Imago Hotel.”