“Does that make the automatic transfers illegal under the bank’s rules?” I asked.

“It amounts to unauthorized financial access,” Donald said, pushing his glasses up once more.

“But my board will need a certified property tax filing before they can freeze the mortgage account behind it.”

He gathered the photocopies back into his envelope and leaned over the table.

“Is your cousin still licensed by the state for tax record searches?” Donald asked Clara.

“He works out of the diner on Route 14 until two,” Clara said.