Part 6

Nathan sent the records the next morning. Among them were messages showing that he had copied Elise's signature and instructed an assistant to assemble the application. The assistant had believed the documents were authorized, and her account was consistent with the lender's records.

Elise gave the information to Diane and the bank. She did not post accusations online or ask friends to decide the case. The lender canceled the application after its investigation and advised her how to dispute any further unauthorized use of her information.

Mara wrote once more, offering to provide her correspondence if needed. Elise thanked her and asked for space. Neither woman owed the other friendship, but both deserved the facts.

Nathan came to collect the rest of his clothes on Saturday. He stood at the same apartment door where Mara had held the envelope.

“I can't undo any of it,” he said.

“No.”

“I was afraid you wouldn't look at me the same way.”

Elise thought of the nights he had said he was working, of the phone placed facedown, of the signature taken from a document she trusted him to file. “I don't,” she said.

He nodded, then handed her his keys. He did not ask to stay.

After the door closed, she called Diane. “I want to talk about a divorce,” she said. Her voice was steady, though her hands were not.