Yellow Ceramic Mug and Red Silk Scarf in a Red Buick

had taken from the safe.

Under the pale light of the desk lamp, the two names looked exactly the same. I held my son’s old report card next to the forged contract.

By nine the next morning, the heat of the early autumn sun had not yet reached the front porch steps.

Julian stood by the railing, his back to me, while Nicole remained near continue reading …