Chapter 17 - The Application in Layla's Name

The number on the note matched Layla's Social Security card.

I knew because I had memorized the last four digits for medical forms.

Ruiz took the bracelet and note into evidence.

"Why would she write the number there?" I asked.

"Maybe she copied it while gathering documents. Maybe she planned to use it. We need to check."

I called all three credit bureaus and placed a freeze on Layla's file.

At first, one bureau said there should be no credit file for a four-year-old.

Then the representative came back sounding different.

"Ms. Bennett, a file does exist."

My heart stopped.

"What is on it?"

"I can't discuss full details until identity verification is complete, but I can confirm there has been an application using this Social Security number."

I gripped the phone.

"For what?"

"A utility account and a retail credit application."

I had to sit down.

My parents hadn't just used me.

They had started using my child.

The prosecutor moved faster after that.

By the next morning, warrants had been approved.

Dad was arrested at home before work.

Mom was taken in later that afternoon.

Aunt Sandra was questioned about the notarized refinance.

Jason turned himself in with an attorney.

I learned all of this while sitting beside Layla as she ate red gelatin and complained that the green flavor was "too green."

The ordinary detail kept me from falling apart.

My phone rang.

It was Mom's sister, Aunt Rachel.

I answered because I hadn't heard from her in months.

"Claire," she said, already crying, "please tell me this isn't happening."

"It is."

"Your mother says police dragged her out like some criminal."

I looked at Layla.

"She used Layla's Social Security number."

Silence.

"What?"

"She opened accounts in a four-year-old's name."

Aunt Rachel stopped crying.

When she spoke again, her voice was different.

"Claire, there's something I need to tell you about your grandmother's estate."

I closed my eyes.

Of course there was.

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"What now?"

"Your grandmother left money for you. A lot more than anyone told you."