Then she looked at the eviction notice.
This was no longer only about memory.
Twenty-four families had once put their savings toward owning 114 Aldridge.
Some had moved.
Some had died.
Others still lived there.
Whatever Eleanor had discovered belonged to more people than Claire.
“Call him,” she said.
Caleb did not answer.
Sofia left a brief message.
She did not mention the documents.
She said only that she was helping Claire Bennett with an old property matter involving Aldridge Street.
Sixteen minutes later, Sofia’s phone rang.
Claire visibly startled.
Sofia answered.
“Mr. Brooks?”
A man’s voice came through the speaker.
“Yes. You said Claire Bennett?”
Claire closed her eyes.
Sofia looked toward her.
“She’s here.”
A pause.
Then:
“Claire?”
She opened her eyes.
“Hello, Caleb.”
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Ruby watched her mother’s face.
There was no anger there.
Mostly surprise.
And perhaps sadness for all the years between one hello and the next.
