“Friday,” she said.

“Friday.”

She nodded.

And for the first time, I believed my sister might be willing to hear an answer that disappointed her.

PART 5 — THE DATE ON THE DEED

On Friday morning, Daniel and I went to the county recorder’s office.

The certified copy was ready.

The clerk checked the request and retrieved an envelope.

She placed it on the counter.

The county seal was visible through the protective sleeve.