I reached into my purse and pulled out my driver’s license. Then I opened the folder in my work bag, the same folder I kept for mortgage paperwork, tax notices, and insurance documents. I had always been meticulous. Melissa used to mock me for it, calling me “the human filing cabinet.”
That day, the filing cabinet came armed.
I handed Officer Grant my ID, a copy of the deed, the property tax bill, and the homeowner’s insurance policy.
She examined them while the male officer, Officer Ruiz, spoke quietly to Derek and his parents.
Melissa’s confidence faltered when she saw the paperwork.
My mother’s eyes fixed on the deed as though it were a snake.
Officer Grant looked up. “This property is solely in Amanda Blake’s name.”
“Yes,” I said.
Melissa scoffed. “Paperwork doesn’t explain family arrangements.”
“Do you have any lease agreement?” Officer Grant asked her.
Melissa blinked. “What?”
“A lease. Written permission. Proof that Ms. Blake authorized you or anyone else to move in.”
“My mother—”
“Does your mother own the house?”
Melissa looked at Mom.
Mom looked away.
