“Before we open anything, Mr.

Bellamy, I’d like it noted that the file for the South Boulevard commercial property deed wasn’t in the packet your clerk dropped off on Tuesday.”

Thomas reached into his jacket pocket, took out a silver fountain pen, and laid it down so its point lined up exactly with the top edge of his legal pad.

“Every property deed the estate holds will be accounted for during this meeting, Mrs.

Ashford,” Thomas said.