Yellow Ceramic Mug and Red Silk Scarf in a Red Buick

center of Oak Creek, the envelope sitting on the passenger seat.

The building was a modest brick structure next to the old hardware store, its brass sign tarnished by years of Ohio winters.

Raymond, my longtime friend and retired real estate attorney, sat behind his desk with his wire-rimmed glasses in his hand.

He looked tired, the deep lines around continue reading …