The Photograph of a Newborn in a Yellow Knitted Hat

“Fifty thousand,” Arthur said.

“Thousand.”

“I have the cashier’s check from the credit union,” I said.

“Can we draft the agreement today?

Will you hold the money in trust?”

“Trust,” Arthur repeated, hooking the wire stems behind his ears.

“A formal settlement of the dispute.

In exchange for fifty thousand dollars in escrow, Rebecca signs a full waiver of custody and hands the child over to you.”