The Auction of Lot Zero

Lena expected arguments at the county land auction, but not before she opened the doors. Two farmers already stood in the hall, each holding a deed to Lot Zero. The auction map began with Lot One. “My family grazed cattle there for sixty years,” Mr. Bell said. Mrs. Ortiz tapped her deed. “Then they grazed on my land.” Lena compared the seals. Both were genuine, both dated the same day, and both named her grandfather as clerk. Outside, bidders crowded the steps. Then the county surveyor called. His crew had found a house on Lot Zero.