“What did he say?” I asked.

“He said you were legally required to clear all family vehicle title decisions through him,” she said.

She handed me the glass of water and sat down on the edge of the guest bed.

“He left a third voicemail on my answering machine warning that he’d file a civil property claim by Friday,” she added.

“He can’t file a claim without an active lien,” I said.

“The California title paperwork has already been processed.”