Chapter 6 - the false goodbye
Theresa told Austin she had booked a short wellness retreat in Florida.
He failed to hide his excitement.
“How long will you be gone?”
“Two weeks.”
“That is good,” Chloe said. “You need rest.”
The night before her flight, Theresa walked through the house. She touched the doorway where Austin’s childhood height marks remained beneath the paint. She stood in David’s study and opened the window.
On his desk, she left a sealed legal folder addressed to Austin.
It contained notice that the house was under court protection, confirmation that his claimed power of attorney was void, and instructions to communicate only through counsel.
It also contained thirty days of hotel credit.
“I do not want revenge,” Theresa had told Miriam. “I want boundaries.”
Before dawn, a car took her to the airport. Austin watched from the doorway. Chloe stood behind him, already speaking into her phone.
At Miami International Airport, Theresa met Miriam’s assistant, signed final affidavits, and transferred her personal belongings into storage.
Then she checked into a harbor hotel.
For two days, she waited.
Austin used the time exactly as predicted. He contacted the realtor, attempted to access the investment account, and submitted the forged documents to the bank.
Each attempt created another record.
On the third morning, the judge approved the enforcement order.
The court officer would arrive at nine.
Theresa’s cruise boarding time was nine thirty.
May you like
She dressed in her navy blazer, placed David’s journal inside her bag, and left for the port.
Nothing about her departure was accidental anymore.
