Brianna’s face went pale, then red. “This is a mistake,” she said, jabbing a finger at the paper. “Your mother told me this house was handled. She said the keys would be ours by Friday.” Every head turned toward Mom, who suddenly found the vase fascinating. Brianna’s mother stepped forward, already pulling out her phone. “If this is some cruel joke, I am calling the police right now.”

I did not move. “Please do,” I said. “Tell them the truth, and I will bring the paperwork.” She dialed, and within minutes I could hear a siren turning onto the street. Derek finally looked up, his voice cracking. “Marissa, we sold our car and gave up the lease because Mom swore this was happening.” Then the doorbell rang, and through the glass I saw two officers standing on my porch, and one of them was holding a clipboard.