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expertly made up and every ebony hair in place, she looked like Snow White. One look into her eyes and you knew she had more in common with the Wicked Queen. Rhett barked as if he might like to devour her.
    “What are you doing here?” I asked loud enough to be heard over Rhett.
    She didn’t appear intimidated by either of us, but she had a pissy look on her face. “Why don’t you call off that mutt of yours.”
    “This is how he typically responds to trespassers.” I matched her expression, or tried. I hadn’t had near the practice at looking irritated. “Rhett, come here, boy.”
    He stopped barking, trotted to my side, and turned to face her.
    Marci closed the door behind her. “I’m hardly a trespasser here. I’ve had the run of this house my whole life, just like you.”
    “Well, you don’t anymore. I’ll take that key.”
    She raised one corner of her mouth. “My, my. Is that how family treats family? What would Gram say?”
    “She’d likely say she didn’t recall giving you that key, or she would’ve had the locks changed.”
    Marci’s hard eyes never left mine as she laid the key on the secretary. “I’ve come for what’s mine. Gram left me a piece of jewelry as a ‘memento.’ My choice. Said so right in that will of hers.”
    I stared at her for a moment. “Too bad you waited until I arrived to come by for it. Now that’s all you’ll get.”
    “Oh, you didn’t think this was my first trip, did you?” Her eyes glittered with spite.
    “If I find anything else is missing, I’ll report it stolen.”
    “You haven’t spent enough time here in thirteen years to know if anything’s missing.”
    “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” Marci was a teller at the bank in town.
    “Lunch hour.” She started towards the stairs.
    I held up both hands. “Wait right here. I’ll bring Gram’s jewelry box down.”
    “No need,” she said. “I know what I want.”
    I raised an eyebrow.
    “I’ll take her engagement ring.”
    I felt as if I’d been slapped. She and I both knew that ring held no sentimental value for her. She’d likely sell it.  She only wanted it because she knew I did. I gritted my teeth. “You. Wait. Right. Here. Rhett, stay. Guard.” Guard wasn’t a command Rhett knew, but Marci didn’t know that.
    I went upstairs to Gram’s jewelry box and took out the ring. It was a lovely piece with two-carat, emerald-shaped diamond in a platinum setting. I found a small velvet box in her dresser drawer, slipped the ring inside, and hurried back downstairs.
    Marci wasn’t in the foyer. Wherever she’d gone, Rhett had tailed her. “Hey,” I called out in protest.
    Rhett barked twice.
    I cursed under my breath and followed his bark through the french doors into the living room. Gram’s style was tasteful, but eclectic. Her favorite piece had been a big green velvet sofa with wood trim and a row of fringe around the bottom. Marci sat in the middle of it, legs crossed, as if waiting for a servant to fetch her tea.
    I laid the ring box on the coffee table. “I have things to do.”
    “Well, I can’t stay.” She didn’t move. “It’s not fair, you know.”
    “What?”
    “You getting everything. You always were her favorite.”
    I closed my eyes and willed Marci to leave.
    “Why don’t you keep the house and let me have the land,” she said, as if she were offering me a concession.
    “Now why, exactly, would I ever consider giving you—of all people—any part of what Gram left to me?”
    “Because if you do…” She leaned forward and lowered her chin. “I’ll give you what you really want.” A knowing, evil smile slid up her face.
    “Get out of my house.” I strode into the foyer and yanked open the front door. Rhett went to barking again.
    Marci took her time getting up. She smoothed her skirt and picked up the ring box. “Think about it.” She slithered towards the door. “I’ve taught Michael how to please a woman. He’s much better than he was at