Chapter 8: Papers

The family lawyer arrived at the house within the hour, still buttoning his coat.

He was a gray-haired man who had drawn up every VanAlen contract for thirty years.

Hayden shut the study door behind him and did not offer him a seat.

"Three years ago my wife signed divorce papers," Hayden said. "Who drew them?"

The lawyer looked at Lydia in the armchair, then back at Hayden.

"Not this firm."

"They were on your letterhead."

"Then they were forged."

The lawyer set his briefcase on the desk.

"Hayden, I would remember. You'd have broken my office in half if I had mentioned a divorce."

Lydia gripped the arms of the chair.

"I signed them," she said. "Every page. Your firm's name was at the top of each one."

"Do you have a copy?"

"No. I mailed the originals back in the envelope they came in."

"Where to?"

"To the address on the cover letter. A box number in the city."

The lawyer pulled out his phone.

"Then let me check one thing."

He made two calls from the corner of the room, speaking quietly.

Hayden stood at the window with his back to them.

Lydia watched the muscle in his jaw.

At last the lawyer lowered the phone.

"The county clerk has no petition for dissolution on file in either of your names. Not three years ago. Not ever."

Nobody spoke.

"Then what did I sign?" Lydia said.

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