I was just thinking some more, I know that's dangerous. It seems odd that this well known professional would take your money and not pay off a loan in her name, ruining her credit and having the lien holder hounding her day and night to hand over the VX. Is she that desperate that she would basically steal money and do something probably illegal? Maybe she payed off the loan and never got the title and doesn't care 'cuz she's free of it? Maybe the title was in someone else's name (an ex-something) and she's not liable? It doesn't seem like she fits the profile of someone who would do this, but ya never know about people.

That's why you need to contact the Texas DMV to find out who has the title. Explain to them what happened, but be wary. If you give them your name and number, they may be obligated to tell the lien holder who you are and that you have their VX. It's a sticky situation for sure.

Mark