Chapter 4 - The Question of Competence
Two weeks later, Evelyn received a visit from Dr. Samuel Price, a physician she had never met.
Caleb introduced him as a specialist in age-related memory conditions.
“I didn’t request an examination,” Evelyn said.
Caleb placed a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s only a precaution.”
Dr. Price asked Evelyn to identify the date, repeat a series of words, and draw the face of a clock.
She answered every question correctly.
Then he asked whether she had recently become suspicious of family members.
Evelyn looked directly at Caleb.
“Yes.”
Caleb smiled as though her answer proved something.
After the examination, Evelyn followed them toward the entrance hall and overheard their voices inside Jonathan’s office.
“She performed well,” Dr. Price said.
“You told me grief could create periods of confusion.”
“It can, but I cannot diagnose incapacity without evidence.”
Caleb lowered his voice.
“I’m not asking you to lie. I’m asking you to consider the larger situation.”
Evelyn returned upstairs before they discovered her.
The following morning, she contacted Martin Hayes, the attorney who had helped Jonathan establish the Warren family trust.
Martin visited discreetly through the servants’ entrance.
When Evelyn showed him the bank records, his expression darkened.
“Caleb has no legal authority to move this money.”
“He believes I will not challenge him.”
“Do you want me to freeze the accounts?”
“Not yet.”
Martin stared at her.
“He may try to gain control through a guardianship petition.”
“I know.”
“Then we should act immediately.”
Evelyn closed the file.
“If we stop him now, he will claim it was an innocent misunderstanding. He will apologize, return part of the money, and begin again more carefully.”
“What are you proposing?”
“I want proof of his entire plan.”
Martin hesitated.
“That could be dangerous.”
Evelyn touched the pearl necklace at her throat.
“For months, everyone has told me to rest. Caleb has mistaken patience for weakness.”
May you like
She looked toward Jonathan’s office.
“I am finished resting.”
