After the garage closed, I called the management company using the number listed publicly.

A woman named Jessica answered.

I gave the payment reference and said I was calling about a payment from an account I jointly held.

She confirmed receipt and explained that it related to unit four: first and last month’s rent and a security deposit.

Then she realized I was not the applicant and stopped.

“I can’t release the lease without the tenant’s authorization.”

“I’m his wife.”