Three million.
I had been working two jobs.
Skipping meals.
Worrying about electricity bills.
Wondering whether I could afford Vicky’s new winter coat.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because the trust was temporarily frozen when the deaths became part of a criminal investigation.”
“But now?”
“Now the independent trustee has authorization to release emergency funds.”
My eyes filled.
I looked at Vicky.
She was watching me suspiciously.
“Does this mean we can get pizza?”
I started laughing.
Hard.
For the first time in months, I laughed until my ribs hurt.
“Yeah.”
Vicky grinned.
“With pineapple?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Mom liked pineapple.”
“Mom was wrong about many things.”
Vicky gasped.
“Take it back.”
I pulled her into my arms.
And for ten beautiful seconds, the world almost felt normal.
Then Mercer spoke again.
“There’s something else.”
I groaned.
“Of course there is.”
“Michael, your mother left instructions concerning your college.”
I became still.
