The Stamped Lie

Sergeant Monroe leaned against the police cruiser, her spiral notebook resting on the hood. A patrol officer brought up the state portal on the mounted laptop, the screen illuminating the driveway in pale light.

“No money moved,” Monroe said, looking over the top of her notepad. “There is no record of a bank transfer, cashier’s check, or cash receipt attached to this vehicle.”

Denise shifted her feet on the concrete apron, her blue binder clutched tight against her collarbone. Her fingernails tapped a quick rhythm against the vinyl cover.

Monroe tapped the screen with the tip of her pen. “An electronic lost-title application hit the state system forty-eight hours ago. It claims the original paper title was destroyed, accompanied by a scanned bill of sale.”

“That is standard procedure for private transfers,” Denise said, her voice rising an octave. “The document is notarized.”

Raymond stepped closer to the cruiser door. “Who notarized it?”

Monroe scrolled down the file. “Beatrice Coleman. Official stamp impression, registry number four-eight-two.”

Raymond took out his phone and dialed. He placed the call on speaker after two rings.

“Raymond?” Beatrice’s voice came through the speaker, thin and hesitant. “Is everything all right?”

“Beatrice,” Raymond said, his tone low and even. “Did you notarize a vehicle title transfer for Denise Hartwell two days ago?”

Silence hung on the line. “No,” Beatrice said. “I haven’t stamped a document since the March meeting. My seal stays locked in the cabinet inside the clubhouse office.”

“Are you near the clubhouse now?” Monroe asked, leaning toward the phone.

“I am in the parking lot,” Beatrice replied. “Give me thirty seconds.”

The line stayed open, filled with footsteps on linoleum and the scrape of a key in a lock. Metal drawers slid open on worn bearings.

“It’s gone,” Beatrice whispered, her breath hitting the microphone. “The lockbox is open. My seal is gone.”

Monroe closed her notebook with a sharp snap.

“Sergeant,” Raymond said. “I am requesting a formal incident file for felony title fraud.”