“You can file a formal hardship exemption request through the circuit court clerk,” Harrison said, closing the folder.

“The review takes twelve working days.”

I stood up from the heavy oak armchair, keeping my weight firmly on my left leg.

“Thank you for your time, Mr.

Harrison,” I said.

I walked out past the teller counter, where two elderly women were counting cash into green deposit envelopes.

The streetlamps on High Street clicked on as the afternoon light faded behind the brick buildings.

The sun slipped behind the cedar ridge at four forty, taking the last of the light from the farmhouse yard.