Arthur stepped in front of the young boy to shield him from the front doorway.
The boy clutched Arthur's sweater tightly as the front door handle jiggled slightly.
Arthur walked toward the door with firm steps, determined to protect his long-lost grandson.
He opened the heavy oak door to find a tall man standing in a suit.
The stranger held a leather briefcase and looked down at Arthur with a serious expression.
Stranger: Mr. Arthur Vance? My name is Richard Sterling, an attorney from the city.
Arthur: Why are you chasing a child through the streets, Mr. Sterling?
Richard: I was not chasing him, sir, I was trying to deliver urgent estate papers.
Arthur narrowed his eyes as he recognized the high-end law firm logo on the briefcase.
Arthur: What estate papers could possibly involve a young child like him?
Richard: Your son David left a substantial trust fund before he passed away last year.
The words struck Arthur like a sudden weight pushing against his chest.
He had spent years hoping David would walk back through that front door unharmed.
Arthur: David is... gone?
Richard: Yes, sir. He passed away, leaving his entire estate to his son, Leo.
Leo stepped out from behind Arthur's legs, looking up at the strange lawyer with fear.
Leo: My mom said men in suits were trying to take our home away!
Richard sighed and opened his briefcase to reveal several thick legal documents.
Richard: Your mother misconstrued the situation, Leo. A third party is contesting the will.
Arthur felt his old legal training kick back into gear instantly.
Arthur: Who is trying to contest my son's final wishes?
Richard: A corporate investment firm claiming David owed them millions in debt.
Arthur took the legal documents from Richard's hands and flipped through the pages quickly.
He noticed several signature irregularities on the contract forms right away.
Arthur: These signatures are completely forged, and you know it, counselor.
Richard looked surprised as Arthur's sharp eyes caught the subtle discrepancy.
Richard: I was hired only to serve the notice, Mr. Vance.
Arthur: Step inside, counselor. We are going to settle this right now.
Richard stepped into the foyer as Arthur shut the door firmly behind them.