The irony is almost too precise. The “withdrawals” she references were reimbursements I arranged through the care network for private nurses Robert had refused to pay directly because “strangers in the house” offended his pride. Ashley signed off on schedules. She knew the nurses were there. She simply let Robert retell the money later because it benefited her to let him.
Gerald places the statements on the projector screen one by one. Enlarged signatures. Dates circled in red. A forensic document examiner’s preliminary opinion suggesting inconsistency. The jury watches the paper as if paper cannot lie when held by a confident man.
“Exhibit twelve,” Gerald says, voice rising theatrically. “A comprehensive background investigation and sworn statement from a forensic document analyst suggesting the signatures on these trust withdrawals are fraudulent. It is clear that Elena Vance has not only failed the employment clause, but actively defrauded the estate to maintain a lifestyle she never earned.”
My father leans back, the picture of vindicated sorrow.
And that is when I look at the door.
Marcus sees me do it. He has been waiting.