“The Social Security number,” I said.

“He had full admin access to the HR database,” Melanie said. “Before he deleted my employee profile, he downloaded my entire tax file.”

She tapped the envelope on the table.

“He used my identity to open three credit cards, a line of credit, and the lease on that mid-century modern house in Palm Springs,” she said. “He ruined me financially. My credit score went from 800 to 400 in ninety days.”

I leaned back against the vinyl booth, my mind racing.

“The anonymous text messages,” I said. “The ones that sent me the address of the Palm Springs house. That was you, wasn’t it?”

Melanie nodded.

“I spent months trying to figure out where the mail for these fraudulent accounts was going,” she said. “I finally tracked a package delivery confirmation to that address on Horizon Road.”

“But how did you get my number?” I asked.

“I used to work in the same office as your husband, Anne,” she said. “I had your contact info from the company directory. We all did.”