Let the state sort out his business on its own.”

“I’ll file the closing documents and archive the signature report,” Claire said.

I hung up and opened the top folder.

The judge’s signature in blue ink sat heavy at the bottom of the last page.

I shut the stiff cover and slid all three folders into the main desk drawer.

Hannah came back into the kitchen holding her thick history textbook.

“Was that Dad calling?” she asked.