Chapter 7 - The Signature
Nora returned with coffee she forgot to drink.
And a copy of a document I had never seen.
My name appeared at the bottom.
The signature looked close.
Close enough for someone who wanted to believe it.
But the final loop in the N rose instead of falling.
I stared at it.
Julian used to tease me about that loop.
Said it made my name look unfinished.
He had watched me sign birthday cards, mortgage papers, restaurant receipts.
He knew every letter.
Nora placed my hospital admission form beside the copy.
“The differences matter,” she said.
“So does where you were yesterday.”
“At the hotel.”
“For your shift?”
“Eight hours.”
“Who can verify it?”
“My supervisor.”
“Call her.”
I did.
Mrs. Jensen answered between laundry carts.
When I explained, her voice became flat.
“I have time records and hallway cameras.”
“Would you send them?”
“Already pulling them.”
I pressed my hand over my eyes.
Kindness felt almost painful when I had gone without it so long.
Nora asked Lydia to describe where she found the paper.
Then she wrote down every word.
No dramatic promises.
No speech about destroying the Vances.
Just names.
Times.
Copies.
A knock sounded.
Julian stood outside with a man in a charcoal suit.
Rosa blocked the doorway.
“I’m her attorney,” the man said.
Nora stepped forward.
“No, you’re not.”
He looked at her.
Then at me.
“We represent the family’s interests.”
“You represent Julian’s interests,” Nora said.
“Be accurate.”
Julian tried to look past her.
“Vivian, my mother is worried.”
“About which signature?”
His expression shifted.
Only for a second.
But I saw it.
Nora held up the copy.
“Your wife was at work when this was supposedly executed.”
“Ex-wife,” I said.
The correction landed.
Julian’s attorney took the paper, read it, and turned toward him.
“Where did this come from?”
“My mother handled the arrangements.”
“Did Vivian sign it?”
Julian said nothing.
His attorney handed it back.
“We need to speak privately.”
For once, someone in an expensive suit was moving away from Julian.
I watched them leave.
Then my phone buzzed.
A message from Lydia.
I’m sorry.
She knows I took it.
May you like
Beneath it came another.
They’re making me sign something now.
