Miriam’s expression grew grave.

“We’ll preserve the original metadata available to us and ask the filing office what authentication records exist,” she said.

“Don’t confront him with this.”

That night Wendell sent Mom a flower arrangement.

Its card read, FORGIVENESS IS A CHOICE.

Ruth put it on the motel dresser, looked at it for nearly a minute, and then carried it to the front desk.

“Could you give these to someone who might enjoy them?” she asked.