Chapter 4 - The Signature That Lied
Attorney Daniel Mercer visited Bellamy House the next afternoon.
Pastor Michael came with him to serve as an independent witness. Ruth had known the pastor for thirty years and trusted him completely.
Emma waited in the hallway while Ruth met privately with them.
Two hours later, Daniel called Emma inside.
Ruth sat behind the desk looking exhausted but relieved.
“We have revoked John’s financial authority,” Daniel explained. “We have also prepared a new trust and estate plan.”
“Does Dad know?”
“Not yet.”
Ruth handed Emma a cream envelope.
Her name was not written on it.
Instead, three words appeared across the front.
For Pastor Michael.
“The original documents will remain with Daniel,” Ruth said. “Copies and supporting evidence are inside this envelope.”
“Why give it to me?”
“Because your father will search this house.”
Daniel leaned forward.
“We believe John may attempt to use the forged sale agreement. We have notified the bank and Northgate Development that Ruth disputes the signature. However, we need more evidence connecting John to the document.”
Emma remembered Victor Hall’s business card.
“John is meeting the developer on Friday night.”
Daniel’s expression sharpened.
“Where?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Pastor Michael spoke softly.
“Do not confront him alone.”
Ruth reached across the desk and held Emma’s hand.
“I do not want this to destroy you.”
“He’s trying to steal your home.”
“And he is still your father.”
Emma looked at the forged signature.
“A father is supposed to protect his family.”
Ruth’s eyes filled with sadness.
“Sometimes the hardest truth is accepting that love cannot repair someone who refuses to admit what he has become.”
Before leaving, Daniel sealed the envelope.
“Keep this safe. If anything happens to Ruth, deliver it directly to Pastor Michael. Do not open it yourself.”
Emma placed it in her handbag.
May you like
She did not know that someone was watching from the half-open study door.
Helen.
