I have four dollars and thirty cents and a watch that Frank already owns.”

“Then we find another way in.”

“There is no other way in.” I set the cup down harder than I meant to.

“They always win, Arthur.

They always have the right paper.

Brenda had a deed, she had a power of attorney, she had my own parole officer standing in the yard with her.

Victor stamped whatever she put in front of him, and the county filed it, and that’s the end of it.”

Arthur polished his glasses on his tie, put them back on, and looked at the street.