Chapter 13

A bitter smile touched Johanna’s lips as she lowered her gaze to the signature line. A space was designated for a thumbprint. “Oh, a thumbprint?” After signing her name, she looked around. Victoria, ever perceptive, produced a flat case from her pocket and set it on the table. Inside was a pad saturated with a vivid crimson pigment. Johanna pressed her thumb into the ink and then stamped it firmly onto the contract. “All done?” Victoria asked. “Yes.” Johanna fanned the document until the ink was dry, then handed it to her friend. Victoria accepted it with a troubled expression, straightened the pages, and tucked them under her arm as she rose.