“The signature on the document you submitted to Apex Bank was dated October fourteenth,” I said. “Arthur Pendelton was declared deceased on October first.”

Gloria stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the hardwood floor.

“This is absurd!” she shouted. “Graham, call the police. She is trying to ruin your deal. She has always been jealous of your success.”

“Sit down, Gloria,” I said.

I didn’t raise my voice, but the cold authority in it made her pause.

She stared at me, her mouth open in shock, before slowly sinking back into her chair.

“Mr. Henderson,” I continued, turning my attention back to the banker. “If you look at page twelve of the loan application, you will find the schedule of assets used as collateral for the four-million-dollar line of credit.”

Henderson quickly flipped through the thick binder in front of him.

His fingers trembled slightly as he found the page.

“Yes,” Henderson said. “The primary collateral is the commercial property on Preston Road, valued at six point two million.”

“That property is registered under the name of Crestwood Holdings,” I said. “It has been since eighteen months ago.”