Chapter 5 - Dana’s Real Motive
Dana had not accepted the position because she cared about Margaret’s recovery.
She had chosen Margaret because she appeared isolated, financially comfortable, and reluctant to burden her only son.
Within weeks, Dana had learned every useful detail.
Margaret owned the house without a mortgage. She had retirement savings, investment accounts, and an insurance payment left by Thomas. She kept careful records but avoided online banking because she disliked computers.
Dana began with small amounts.
She used Margaret’s grocery card to purchase personal items. She added cash withdrawals to shopping trips. She redirected bank statements to an email account Margaret did not know existed.
When Margaret noticed discrepancies, Dana blamed her memory.
The ultimate goal was a power-of-attorney document.
Dana told Margaret it would allow her to speak with doctors and collect prescriptions. Hidden among the pages were broader permissions involving financial accounts.
Margaret read the document before signing.
“This gives you access to my bank,” she said.
Dana’s pleasant expression disappeared.
“It allows me to pay bills if you become unable.”
“I am able.”
“You missed the electricity payment.”
“I never missed a payment before you arrived.”
Dana leaned closer.
“You should be careful with accusations.”
Margaret pushed the papers away.
“I want you to leave.”
Dana’s face became cold.
“And what will you tell Marcus?”
“The truth.”
“Which truth? That you’re confused? That you fall? That you forget medication?”
“I don’t forget.”
“I have records saying you do.”
Dana removed her phone and displayed photographs of pills scattered across a table. Margaret recognized them but had never left them there.
“You staged those.”
“Can you prove it?”
Margaret’s anger turned to fear.
Dana continued quietly.
“If your son believes you cannot live alone, he may place you in a facility. He might sell this house to pay for it. Is that what you want?”
“My son would never do that.”
“Are you certain?”
May you like
Margaret was certain about Marcus.
But Dana had spent months making certainty feel dangerous.
