Martha answered on the second ring, her voice warm. “Oh, Sarah! Yes, the renovations were finalized just a few weeks after your uncle’s funeral,” Martha explained. “The contractors replaced all the exterior doors and put on high-security locks.” Sarah breathed a sigh of relief. “That explains it. Where are the new keys?”
Martha paused. “I sent a complete certified package to both you and Julian at the same time, dear. The estate executors instructed me to handle everything through both of you, since the house was left to you two as co-owners in your uncle’s will.”
Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t realized her uncle had officially included Julian on the deed. More than that, she felt a sudden pang of guilt. She remembered a thick envelope arriving a month ago that she had tossed aside unopened, assuming it was just more paperwork about her uncle’s estate.