That was when doubt became certainty.
Judge Porter looked at the signature page.
“The notary listed here is Patricia Weller?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know her?”
“She notarized several documents for us during the marriage.”
“Is she present today?”
“No.”
“Has she provided an affidavit?”
“Not yet.”
Calder stood.
“Your Honor, the notary stamp appears valid.”
I opened the second folder.
“The stamp number is valid.”
“The date is not.”
He stopped.
I placed a copy before the clerk.
“Ms. Weller’s commission expired four months before the date shown on the agreement.”
Ruth inhaled sharply.
Frank turned toward Calder.
“What does that mean?”
Calder did not answer him.
Judge Porter looked at the page.
“Mrs. Ellison, how did you confirm that?”
“I contacted the state notary registry.”
“And did you speak with Ms. Weller?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I did not want to influence her recollection before the court had preserved the document.”
