Marcus sat behind a heavy oak desk in a dark gray suit, spreading our documents across a green felt blotter.

“The temporary emergency petition your mother-in-law filed this morning says your garage was an attractive nuisance,” Marcus said.

He picked up the summons that had been served in our driveway at eight a.m. and read line four out loud.

“The petition alleges that Mr.

Morales kept loose heavy iron tools, unfastened locking hardware, and an accessible hazardous enclosure,” Marcus said.

“The freezer was unplugged and set flat against the north wall,” I said.