The reception room was hunter green and burgundy, suitable for British hunting lodges and moneyed clients. An elegant black woman rose to greet me behind an antique cherry desk, offering her manicured hand. “You must be Ronni,” she said. I took in her gray silk suit and Jimmy Choos, feeling frumpy and ridiculous in my TJ Maxx sundress and cropped sweater.

I cleared my throat. “Yes, I’m Veronica Johnson. Your office is lovely.”

“Thanks, I’m Laura. Did you have any trouble finding us?” She waved at an armchair upholstered in pheasants, indicating I should sit.

“No, not at all. I used to live in The Magic City,” I smiled. “I haven’t been back in a while, though.”

“You live in Harrison, right?”

“You’ve heard of it?”

“Well, I’ve seen correspondence from Mrs. Thompson and references to you in her paperwork.”

Of course. I was feeling more idiotic and out of place by the second. “Oh yes, Violet. Did you ever meet her?”

“Once or twice, some years ago. She was one of Mr. Sobel’s favorite clients. A beautiful and elegant lady.”

I wondered if Laura was trying to imagine how a creature like Violet had anything to do with me. If I were in her place, I certainly would. “Yes, she was.” I shifted in my seat and tried to smooth the wrinkles set in my dress.

“Mr. Sobel will be with you in a minute. He had a meeting in Homewood and is running a bit behind. May I offer you something to drink?”

“No, thank you,” I answered. “Well, maybe a glass of water would be nice.”

“Coming right up.” She crossed to an impressive wet bar with an array of crystal glasses. I wondered if I should’ve asked for scotch or bourbon.

“Ronni?” A man nearly my height poked his head out from behind a polished oak door. He had short, curly red hair and eyes the color of cornflowers. I liked him instantly. “I’m Mel Sobel. Please come in.”

Laura followed, delivering my ice water on a linen napkin and setting it on a mahogany table next to an overstuffed chocolate velvet chair. I sat and sipped, watching Mr. Sobel shuffle through papers on his desk. His office was all muted browns and beiges. A host of framed diplomas and awards decorated the walls. I spotted a photo of him with the governor.

He looked up and smiled at me. “First things first. You know Violet left you a sum of money, and we’re issuing part of it to you today. She had me place most of it in a trust for you.”

I nodded.

“The trust is valued at about two hundred and sixty thousand dollars at present.”

I coughed and managed to spill water on my lap.