The power-of-attorney document was a different matter: it bore a notary seal and had been used, according to an attached record, to authorize access to an insurance settlement account.

“A seal isn’t proof that an underlying signature is genuine,” Evelyn explained.

“We need certified records from the institutions involved, and we need to see exactly when and how this was executed.”

She read the date aloud.

It was six months after my accident, during a period when I had been undergoing intensive treatment and barely able to leave the rehabilitation center.

“I remember that month,” I said.