Chapter 17 - A Dead Woman's Consent
The courtroom was smaller than Daniel expected. Vanessa sat beside a lawyer, perfectly dressed, her hands folded as though she were waiting for an award. Grant sat behind her without looking at Daniel.
Mara presented the disputed trustee signatures and the temporary order. Nora testified that she had refused the proposed sale. Daniel confirmed he had never signed the easement or the medical-expense application.
Then Vanessa's attorney produced a letter purportedly signed by Claire six weeks before her death.
It said Claire had supported selling the meadow when a suitable buyer appeared.
Daniel read it twice. The signature was hers, or a convincing copy of it. But the language wasn't.
"She didn't call it suitable real estate," he said. "She called it the sponge that kept Alder Street dry."
The judge asked him to stick to what he could verify.
Mara produced Claire's email rejecting the development and records of Northline accessing old signature samples. The judge reserved the question of authenticity for further review.
Vanessa shifted in her seat for the first time.
At recess, Nora stood beside Daniel in the hallway.
"Claire would have hated being used like this."
"I hate that I almost let them do it."
"You came home early that day. You listened. Keep doing that."
Mara returned from speaking with opposing counsel. Her expression was grim.
"Mercer is here. They plan to rely on his assessment to claim the sale is urgent."
"He never met Lily."
"Then let him explain his dates under oath."
The courtroom doors reopened.
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Dr. Everett Mercer entered carrying a leather folder. He looked at Daniel, looked away, and took his seat.
The clerk called him to the stand.
