Theo's Witness Certificate

Theo said no before Elise asked the question.

"No," he said again, harder. "I did not witness Vivian's will."

They stood outside Mara's interview room while Mara watched them through the glass with the satisfaction of a woman who had just made herself useful.

Elise kept her voice low. "She says you did."

"Then she is lying."

"Or you witnessed something you did not understand."

That landed. Theo's anger shifted into memory.

Roslyn folded her arms. "Think."

Theo looked down the station hall. "Six months ago, Vivian came to Westport Bank after hours. She said she needed independent identity verification for a trust custody change. I watched her sign a video log that confirmed she was present and not under visible duress."

"Was Mara there?" Elise asked.

"Yes. I hated it. I told Vivian to use bank counsel. She told me bank counsel had already failed her."

"Did you sign anything?"

"A witness certificate. Not a will. I never saw the amendment."

Roslyn looked through the glass at Mara. "Useful difference."

Elise looked at Theo. "Why didn't you remember?"

His face tightened. "Because I spent six months telling myself Vivian was being theatrical. Because the form was routine. Because men in compliance also miss what powerful women are saying when they make it unpleasant."

It was too honest to punish cleanly.

Mara tapped on the glass. Elise turned.

The notary mouthed, ask the bank.

Theo understood at the same time Elise did. "The video log is in bank custody."

"Can Greer touch it?" Roslyn asked.

"Not directly. But he can pressure the board to classify it privileged."

Elise checked the time. Court in less than four hours.

"Then we get it before privilege grows teeth."

Theo smiled without humor. "I am fired."

Elise held up her temporary identity order. "I am alive."

Roslyn shook her head. "I miss when my suspects ran from police instead of into banks."

Mara called through the glass, "Bring me tea first."

No one did.