Forty Thousand Dollars and the Deed to Maple Avenue Bakery

“No,” I said. “The bank did not approve it.”

“Then where is the money coming from?” Clara asked, her voice sharp.

I paused before answering, smoothing my linen apron with a slow, deliberate movement. The secret of the redemption plan had to stay between Diana, Arthur, and me until the filing was official.

“It is taken care of,” I said. “But we have to continue reading …