I arrived while employees were unloading cartons of cereal.

Denise sat in a narrow room behind the stock shelves with a calculator, two mugs of coffee, and an accounting ledger.

“You’re the neighbor from court,” she said.

“Yes.

I hope that isn’t all I’m remembered for.”

She gave me a tired smile.

“Depends what happens next.”

I told her the association wanted to repay the value of the stolen merchandise.