CHAPTER 11: THE SIGNATURE UNDER THE GLASS
A forensic document examiner compared my verified signatures with those on the trust request and property notice. Her preliminary report identified significant inconsistencies in stroke sequence and spacing. More importantly, an electronic submission log connected one filing to an account maintained by Grant’s executive assistant. Malcolm traced the unfamiliar holding company to a network of businesses managed by a friend of Grant’s. The apparent plan was to use the house as collateral for a commercial line of credit, then direct the proceeds toward Grant’s failing investment venture. It was not yet clear how far the scheme had progressed. Helena moved to challenge the filing and seek protective relief. I attended every meeting with a notebook. Years of managing June’s appointments had taught me to ask exact questions and keep copies. At one meeting, Malcolm asked whether I had ever received a notice about a proposed refinancing. I remembered a certified letter that had disappeared from our hallway table. Grant had said it was a routine insurance renewal. I searched my email and found a delivery notification from that date. A small detail, but one more piece of the timeline. My father asked whether I regretted having trusted Grant. I said I regretted ignoring the moments when trust had been used to silence questions. That was different. I had loved someone who had hidden important truths from me. The responsibility for those choices was his.
