Chapter 9 - The Attorney's Office
Helen placed one final document on the table.
The deed transfer had never reached the county. The title company had refused to close after identifying inconsistencies in the power of attorney. They'd sent a verification letter — the cream envelope beneath the towels.
Vanessa had intercepted it.
But they'd also sent an electronic notice to an old email address of Richard's — one Daniel still accessed as executor of the estate. Arrived nine days earlier. Unread.
Vanessa had been bluffing in the kitchen.
The land had never left my name.
"So she hit Mom over something that wasn't even complete," Daniel said.
"She may have believed she was running out of time," Helen said.
"What happens now?" I asked.
"That depends partly on what you want."
The question surprised me. For six months, people had decided what I needed. Now, someone was asking.
"I want the power of attorney formally revoked, though I never validly granted it. I want the developer notified that no one but me has authority to discuss my property. I want the assisted-living application withdrawn."
"It already is," Daniel said.
"I want every account reviewed."
"And Vanessa?" Helen asked.
"If I do nothing because she is Daniel's wife," I said, "I teach her that being family makes the truth negotiable. If I demand the harshest outcome because I'm angry, I let her choose who I become next. I will give a full statement. I will preserve the evidence. I will cooperate with whatever investigation follows. And I will not lie to protect her."
May you like
Daniel looked at me. That was acceptance. Not peace.
---
