My sister set a chipped mug of black tea in front of me and tapped the digital clock on her microwave.

“It’s seven o’clock,” Sarah said.

“Call him now.”

I dialed Vance’s office and put it on speaker before the second ring was over.

“Section 706 point 04 covers executed quitclaim deeds signed under documented physical restraint,” Vance said through the speaker, his voice crisp in spite of the early hour.

“David kept the heavy manila envelope hidden in his trunk,” I told him, pressing my right hand flat on my breastbone.

“I saw the heading on the second page before he took it away.