The folder lay empty on my counter, squared to the tile.

The restaurant smelled like the inside of a deep fryer, and Julian had the coffee brewing before I got my coat off.

I laid the green folder flat on the counter so he could see the empty tab.

“Two things are missing,” I said.

“The deed, and the appraisal notice that was in here on Tuesday.”

He wiped his hands down the front of his apron.

“Coffee?