Congratulations, you have inherited a llama.

The Apfelbach notary office smelled like paper, coffee, and old winter coats. Nora Benning sat straight in the plastic chair, hands folded, red notebook open, and tried to look like a person who did not feel sick about signing anything without reading every line twice.

“Ms. Benning?” The notary’s voice was calm in a way that made Nora’s heartbeat louder. He pushed a folder across the table like it weighed nothing, which was already suspicious.

Nora stood on the inside, not the outside. “Yes. I’m here for the inheritance appointment.” She smiled too hard. “I’m assuming it’s… furniture, maybe. Or money.”