“Yes, I’m aware of that. I can’t see how he has much of a case, but that’s between Herb and his attorney.”

“There’s something else, Mr. Sobel.”

“Yes?”

“Are you aware Violet had a daughter when she was a teenager?”

Shock skittered across his features, but he recovered quickly. “Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, she told me all about it. She gave the baby up for adoption and believed her to be living in Florida. Violet said the records are sealed. She was never able to locate her daughter, and her daughter didn’t try to find Violet.”

“I see. Well, the daughter and her family would have no claim.”

“I feel awful knowing there’s a daughter out there, probably grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and I’m supposed to inherit all this money.” I studied the woven carpet and waited for him to reply.

“Ronni, there’s no need for you to feel guilty. Obviously you meant a very great deal to Violet. She considered you like a granddaughter. She loved you.”

“I know. I loved her, too.” I was horrified to find myself bawling in the plush office. Mr. Sobel stood and handed me a tissue. “It’s just...”

“Again, Ronni, these were her wishes. Violet knew she had a daughter out there. She chose to help you in the best way she could.” He offered me a smile designed to calm and reassure. I offered him one designed to convey sanity.

“Here is a check, Ronni,” he stood and reached across the desk again. “Take it to your bank. I’d advise you to tell as few people as possible about your sudden good fortune.”

“That won’t be a problem.” I stared at the piece of paper with all its zeroes. It was issued in the name of Mr. Sobel’s practice. “What will they think at my bank? I usually deposit one hundred dollars in a panic when I’m down to twenty.”

“You don’t have to explain anything, Ronni. Let them think you won a lawsuit. Let them think whatever they want. Do you have a financial adviser?”

For my previous net worth of two hundred and three dollars? “No, I don’t. I guess I should talk to someone about investing this.”

“That’s a good idea.” He rose to shake my hand and placed a business card in its palm. “Please verify your address and phone number with Laura on the way out, and update us with any changes.”

“Yes, I will. Thank you, Mr. Sobel.”

“Call me Mel. I look forward to sending your manuscript to Jennifer. Let me know when you’re ready, and I’ll take it from there.”

I gathered my purse and glass, wiping Mr. Sobel’s nice table with the napkin.

“Ronni? Ronni, Laura will get that.”

“Sorry, force of habit. Thank you, again, Mr...Mel.”