The vinyl booth near the kitchen was quiet, and the air smelled of burnt coffee and fried hash browns.

Martha set her heavy ceramic mug down on the Formica table and wiped her glasses with the edge of her paper napkin.

“Every property transfer in Franklin County goes into the public clerk database within forty-eight hours of closing,” Martha said, leaning across the table.

“My nephew bought a two-bedroom in Clintonville last August, and his deed was visible online before the weekend was out.”

I stared down at the dark ring of coffee left on the table by my saucer.