“She declined.”
“Exhibit B,” Janet said. “The Mutual Consent Registry declination. Dated March 12, 1996. Do you recognize it?”
“I do.”
“Who notarized it?”
“A member of my staff.”
“Which member?”
My father hesitated for the first time.
Janet turned to the gallery.
“Ms. Heller, would you please stand?”
Sherry rose from the first row with her green ledger held against her chest.
Her knees were shaking.
I saw my father’s hand tighten on the arm of the witness chair.
“Entry 318,” Janet said. “March 12, 1996. Would you read the margin note aloud?”
Sherry’s voice was thin and clear.
“‘Signer NOT present. Per H.G.'”
The courtroom did not make a sound.
Sixty people.
Not one cough.
Even the radiator quit knocking.
“H.G.,” Janet said softly. “Mr. Gilchrist, are those your initials?”
“I don’t recall,” my father said.
“Then let’s talk about what you do recall,” Janet said. “Exhibit F. The trustee’s accountings.”
