Vance, and your signatures don’t hold up under the law,” Donald added, looking straight across the room.

Commissioner Miller spent four minutes going over the certified audit sheets in total silence.

He picked up his black fountain pen, struck a heavy line through the county filing index page, and initialed the margin.

“The quitclaim deed recorded as instrument forty-one-nine is hereby declared fraudulent and void,” Commissioner Miller said.

“Sole title to the Oakridge bungalow stays with Penelope Vance.”

Bob dropped into his chair, both elbows landing on the polished wood.