“And the mortgage on the Westfall cottage?” Bob’s lawyer asked, half rising from his seat.

“That property stays under an administrative lien until the municipal court review is done,” Commissioner Miller said.

The sharp crack of wood on wood rang through Room 204, bringing the public title hearing to a close.

The hallway outside Room 204 was bright with late-morning sun pouring through the tall arched windows.

I headed for the marble staircase with my tote bag under my arm, but Bob stepped out from behind a plaster pillar.

“Penelope, just listen to me for one minute,” Bob said, planting himself squarely in my way.