“Emergency petition for quiet title, estate of Maple Street,” Judge Harrison said, opening the manila folder on his bench.

“Counselor Vance, you hold the recorded instrument?”

Vance was on his feet at once, smoothing his jacket button with one finger.

“We do, Your Honor.

A valid, notarized quitclaim deed signed on September third and recorded at the county registry on the fourth.”

He took three steps forward and laid a blue-backed legal document on the wooden clerk’s rail.

“Claire Miller’s signature was witnessed and stamped by an official notary public of this county.”

Evelyn got up from our table with her half-moon glasses still on her nose.