I typed the ten digits into my phone and pressed the green call button.

I held the phone to my ear, standing perfectly still beside the locked bedroom door.

The line started ringing on the other end, long and steady in the quiet room.

An automated voice asked for my nine-digit serial number, but I tapped the red end-call button before the third prompt was over.

I set the phone on the bed and smoothed the duvet with the palm of my hand.

I needed a legal advocate who understood Ohio property law before I said a single word to Mark or anyone else.