I took two folders out of my tote bag and set them on the glass counter between the potted ferns.

Ruth looked down at the first page without reaching for it.

“Four years ago he told me your marriage had been dissolved by mutual agreement,” Ruth said.

“He said you were living in the Oakridge house on a private lease until the estate was settled.”

“He lied to you the very same night he lied to me,” I said.

I turned the first blue ledger page around to face her.

“This is the municipal tax summary for the Oakridge bungalow,” I said.