“Has he exhibited violent tendencies? Made threats against your physical safety?”

“No.” “Then, purely from a safety standpoint, why the immediate lock change? Why not just demand he stay away?”

I looked directly into the veteran cop’s eyes. “Because, Officer Daniels, he explicitly stated in writing that he was never coming back. I was simply honoring his wishes by securing my property.”

A ghost of a smirk played on Daniels’s lips. “A very fair point.” Ruiz shifted his weight, returning to business. “What about the cash, ma’am? He was adamant you transferred his money.”

“I transferred absolutely nothing. I merely severed his unearned access.” I opened my laptop, typed in my credentials, and swiveled the screen toward them.

“You’re welcome to verify. The balances are intact.” Daniels pointed a thick finger at the recent transaction log. “Mind scrolling down?” I obliged. The screen populated with the sickening itinerary of their betrayal.