The date on the notary line is wrong.

She signed it in June, not April.”

I stared at the copy.

The notary signature was Patricia’s, a tight, skinny cursive.

Next to it, the date said June 15.

“Why would she backdate a notary line?” I asked, though I already knew the answer as the words came out.

Brooke’s mouth opened and then shut again.

She tucked that same lock of hair behind her ear.