Chapter 2 - My Mother’s Signature
I called my mother from Grandma’s kitchen.
Linda answered on the fourth ring with the bright voice she used when she wanted to sound innocent before anyone had accused her of anything.
“Sweetheart! I was just thinking about you.”
“Where is my money?”
Grandma watched me from across the table.
Mom recovered fast. “What money?”
“The account in my name. The one Grandma has been funding for four years.”
Then she sighed. “Emily, this is not a conversation to have when you’re upset.”
“I’m not upset. I’m asking why your name is on my bank account.”
“You signed those papers before your wedding.”
“I signed a form because you said you were helping me organize my documents.”
“That was the account paperwork.”
My stomach tightened. “Did you tell me that?”
“You were busy. Ryan was busy. I was helping.”
“Helping who?”
Mom’s voice hardened. “Watch your tone.”
“Did you give Ryan forty-two thousand dollars nine days ago?”
She stopped breathing.
Grandma mouthed, Got her.
Mom said, “Ryan told me it was for the mortgage.”
“The mortgage is current.”
“How would you know? You never handle the finances.”
“Did he give you money too?” I asked.
“This family has supported you for years.”
“That isn’t an answer.”
“You lived in a beautiful house. You drove a nice car. Ryan worked himself to death while you—”
“While I what? Raised his daughter?”
Sophie woke in the living room and began to cry.
Mom heard her.
Her voice softened instantly. “Where are you?”
“Why?”
“I want to see my granddaughter.”
“You can see her after you explain the theft.”
“It was not theft.”
“Then send me every statement and every authorization right now.”
“Emily—”
I hung up.
Grandma’s attorney, Daniel Reeves, arrived before dinner and reviewed the statements.
“Do not contact Ryan,” he said.
“I already did this morning.”
“Don’t contact him again. Don’t warn him. Don’t accuse him online. Don’t sign anything.”
“What can we do?”
“First, freeze the account. Second, preserve every record. Third, determine whether your signature was forged or obtained through misrepresentation.”
He looked at Grandma.
“And fourth, find out where the forty-two thousand dollars went.”
My phone buzzed.
A text from Ryan.
YOU NEED TO COME HOME. WE SHOULD TALK LIKE ADULTS.
Then another message appeared.
May you like
And this one made Daniel stand up.
I KNOW YOU WENT TO THE BANK.
