The brass handle on the front door is original to the house.

Please do not replace it with anything from a big-box store.

“People get sentimental about hardware,” Arthur said.

“Now.

Locks.”

I told him I would call somebody that week.

“Today,” he said.

“Every cylinder, the deadbolts, and a keypad on the side door if you can manage it.

I have had three clients this year alone get a visit from somebody holding an old key.”

Three clients.

He said it the way a man says something he is tired of saying.

He cleaned his glasses again before the next part.

“If anyone ever tells you that you agreed to something out loud, ask them for paper.

Paper is the only thing that stands up in a room.”