Muscle and sinew rippled as Margot shifted in an attempt to find a comfortable position in the ornate conference chairs. The chairs served as a reminder of her brother, may he rest in hell. He loved two things: visual opulence, which the smooth, leather upholstery provided, and the enjoyment of seeing other people as uncomfortable as possible. She settled, determined not to move again.

Judy shifted over so her shoulder pressed against Margot's, radiating a calm presence. She had always been the more tranquil of the two, but with the pregnancy, it was as if she drew strength and composure from the unborn child. As always, Margot felt a mixed surge of protectiveness toward her partner and envy at her position. She was so secure in her femininity.

A discrete clearing of the throat announced the entrance of David Burnum, of Burnum, Leas & Green, primary law firm of the Verger family. The senior partner's presence at the Maryland estate was a tacit apology from the firm, which was in the awkward position of having treated the now sole heir of their best client as a recalcitrant family member for the past decade. It had been a tense three months as Mason's death was officially investigated.

"Good morning, Ms. Verger, Ms. Ingram. Thank you for making time for me." David's nodded in greeting to forestall shaking hands as he set down his briefcase and snapped it open with practiced fingers. He removed matching embossed folders marked confidential, sliding one over to the couple. Margot flipped it open, holding it so her lover could see. "This is the latest copy of Mason's will, last updated three years before his death. In addition is the copy of your father's will, as a reference.

"As you know, you father specified that all of his assets were to go to his son, or upon his son's death, his heir, to be proven by lab testing. I would like to thank you for your understanding in undergoing the DNA test, Ms. Verger. You understand that it was strict formality." Margot nodded impatiently. David moved directly to the point.

"Upon Mason's death, and with your proof as heir, you are set to receive half of all of the assets that had been willed to your brother. The other half are to be dealt with as stated in Mason's will."

Margot closed her eyes briefly, then gave the attorney a smoldering look. "And what did my deceased brother do with his share?"

"He elected to have an irrevocable living trust established; he has already transferred all of the personal property, including this estate, to the trust. In addition, the trust has controlling interest of Verger Products, Inc. - sixty-seven percent, to be precise."

Margot's nostrils flared. "That seems like a helluva lot more than half of daddy's estate, David."

"Unfortunately, yes. You see, once property is transferred to an Irrevocable Living Trust, so is control over it. He had authority over all the assets while he was alive, so he was within his perfect legal rights to transfer two-thirds of the assets to the trust."

"Two-thirds!" Margot was choking on rage. "I'm left with only one third of the estate?"

"Half of a third. I mean, one-sixth. Mason's will determines where his portion of the original assets will go. It mirrors your father's; it will go to an heir of Mason Verger, to be proven by a DNA test. If there is no heir, it is to be given to the Inner-city Children's Fund."

You really pissed Daddy off with that muff-diving, Margot. Mason's words rose, unbidden, to mock her. She had been afraid of him still as he lay crippled, and now, even in death he mocked her. What he had never counted on was the fetus growing in Judy's womb. Mason's heir would be the undoing of his last push for a legacy.

"Trusts are set up with a purpose and a beneficiary, Mr. Burnum. What and who?" Judy chimed in for the first time, startling her partner.

"As the trustee, I am authorized to continue practicing business as I see fit, until such time as I can dissolve the trust and give the assets to the sole beneficiary, Margot."

"Why…"

"I am not at liberty to give his reasons, but I can tell you the event that must occur before dissolution."

"The death of Hannibal Lecter." Margot's voice was husky. The attorney wondered if it was from anger or the testosterone shots.

"Yes."