I took the receiver from Patricia’s trembling hand and said, “Mr. Lang, this is Gordon Calloway. Please put the officer on.” A calm voice came on, and I explained that I had reported the motorcycle stolen at noon, after our workshop camera sent a clip to my phone. I had also texted the officer a photograph of the title. Patricia’s mouth fell open, and Janice set the champagne bottle down very slowly.

“The title is not in your wife’s name,” the officer said. “It belongs to the Calloway Family Trust, and Mr. Calloway is the only trustee.” Patricia stared at me. Russell muttered that it was just a motorcycle. Then I asked the officer one last question, quietly, so everyone could hear: “Does Mr. Lang know what he is holding?” The line went silent for several seconds.