Story code: ST-001101
Part 2: Under the Light
I adjusted the brass neck of the desk lamp, focusing the bright LED bulb directly onto the final page of the Power of Attorney document. The harsh light highlighted the texture of the paper and the blue ink of the notary stamp. Richard took a step closer, tapping his fingers against the polished mahogany. “Well? Is there a problem? Or do I need to call the state regulator about how First State Savings treats families trying to protect their elders?” In the lobby, the two customers near the conference room door lingered, their attention locked on our table. Marcus Cole leaned over my shoulder, his breathing shallow. “The paperwork appears to have the official state seal,” Marcus said, his voice dropping to a cautious murmur. “Mr. Sterling, if the notary stamp is active, we will have to pause the current address update and verify the transfer request.” Richard nodded, his shoulders relaxing. “Exactly. Let’s get this done. I want the cashier’s checks drawn today.” I did not look up. “The stamp lists the notary public as Georgia Vance,” I said, pointing to the blue-inked box. “Commission number 88301-A.” “Yes,” Richard said, his tone dripping with impatience. “She processed it at her office. My aunt signed it there.” Evelyn remained completely silent, her gaze still fixed on her lap. Her breathing was slow and shallow. “According to the text,” I continued, “this document was signed and notarized on Sunday, the fourteenth.” “That’s correct,” Richard said. “A private weekend signing.” I turned to my computer terminal and opened the state’s active notary registry database. “We are required to run a real-time verification on all external powers of attorney exceeding our high-value threshold before executing any transfers.” Richard’s tapping finger stopped. His jaw tightened slightly, though his posture remained rigid. “This is an unnecessary delay. The document is self-authenticating under state law.” “It is standard procedure, Mr. Sterling,” Marcus intervened, though he kept his eyes on me, waiting to see what the screen would show. I typed the notary’s commission number into the registry search field. The system began to search the state database, the circular loading icon spinning on the screen. “The state registry is usually instantaneous,” I noted, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. Richard cleared his throat, a sharp, dry sound. He reached out as if to pull the document back, but Marcus placed a hand near the edge of the paper. “Let’s let Claire complete the verification, Mr. Sterling. It takes only a moment.” Richard’s gaze flicked from Marcus to the glass wall of the lobby, where the onlookers were still watching. His confidence seemed to stiffen into a defensive posture. “This is ridiculous. You are treating a family member like a criminal in front of a dozen people. My aunt needs this money transferred to her trust for her care facility deposit.” Evelyn did not nod. She slowly reached into her purse, pulled out a tissue, and pressed it against her palms, which were visibly damp. I looked back at the screen. The database search page refreshed, displaying the search results for commission number 88301-A. I compared the name, the license status, and the history displayed on the screen with the physical document resting under the lamp. The system’s response was clear, and it raised a question that would change the entire nature of the meeting.