“Because I worked for a bank for twenty-eight years, and I don't hand strangers my identification just because they've printed a pretty badge.”
Bear almost smiled.
Evelyn continued.
“He didn't like that.”
“What did he do?”
“He said I might miss the deadline.”
She shrugged.
“I told him I was willing to take my chances.”
Ruth looked toward her.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
Evelyn's expression softened.
“I didn't know he'd talked to you too.”
The room became quiet.
Then Nora asked another question.
“Do you remember the man's name?”
Evelyn frowned.
“Michael something.”
Ruth nodded quickly.
“That's what I remembered.”
Evelyn reached into her purse.
“Actually, I have his card.”
Everyone stared.
She smiled.
“Never throw away a business card from somebody who seems too interested in your property.”
She placed it on the table.
The card identified a man named Michael Reddick.
Beneath his name appeared the words Senior Property Assistance Consultant.
The organization was called Heritage Homeowner Services.
A website address appeared at the bottom.
Ruth stared at it.
“That's him.”
Bear looked toward Nora on the screen.
The attorney's expression was serious.
“May I have a clear photograph of both sides?”
Luke, who had just entered the kitchen, lifted his phone.
“On it.”
Nora nodded.
“Thank you.”
Then she looked toward Ruth.
“This may help us establish how the disputed documents originated.”
Ruth's hands trembled.
“Does that mean you believe me?”
For a moment, the attorney seemed genuinely hurt by the question.
“Mrs. Miller.”
Her voice softened.
“I take what you're telling me seriously. The evidence is helping us understand what happened.”
Ruth looked down.
A tear slipped onto the table.
“I've spent weeks being told I forgot.”
Evelyn reached for her hand.
“You didn't forget, Ruth.”
Bear nodded.
“And you don't have to prove your memory to people who refuse to look at the facts.”
Ruth began crying.
For a moment, the kitchen was silent except for the ticking wall clock.
Then Evelyn pushed the cookie tin toward her.
“Eat something.”
Ruth laughed through tears.
“Evelyn.”
“I'm serious. Nobody solves a property dispute on an empty stomach.”
Bear reached for a cookie.
Evelyn slapped his hand lightly with the lid.
“Wash those paws first.”
Everyone burst out laughing.
And Ruth, who had spent weeks feeling as though the world was slowly closing around her, laughed harder than anyone.