“The bank can lock down the commercial accounts,” Donald said, “but the county commissioner has to issue the formal order clearing the deed record at the hearing.”

“Will you bring the original signature cards to Room 204 in the morning?” I asked.

Donald took a yellow legal pad out of his top drawer and jotted down two file numbers in small, tidy handwriting.

“If the probate clerk subpoenas me,” Donald said, “the law requires me to produce every physical record we keep in our vault.”

“Clara sent out the subpoena two hours ago,” I said.

Donald didn’t reply.