Chapter 9 - GRANDMOTHER OF THE YEAR
By sunset, Evelyn had already begun controlling the story.
A family group chat filled with messages.
POOR EVELYN.
SARAH HAS ALWAYS BEEN UNSTABLE.
DANIEL IS OVERREACTING.
Someone posted that Evelyn had spent "years protecting Owen from his own mother."
Daniel read every message.
Then he typed one sentence.
OWEN IS IN THE HOSPITAL. STOP CONTACTING US.
He turned off notifications.
Officer Brooks returned with another investigator, Detective Ramos.
Ramos watched the archived video twice.
"We have enough to move," he said. "But she's already claiming the substance came from your house."
Sarah laughed bitterly. "Of course she is."
"We searched the patio trash with consent from the property owner," Ramos continued. "The white envelope is gone."
Daniel frowned. "Property owner?"
"Your mother doesn't own that house."
Daniel looked at him.
"What?"
Ramos checked his notes.
"County records show the house transferred six weeks ago to Mercer Family Holdings LLC."
Marcus joined by phone.
"That's impossible. Dad left that house to Mom for life. She couldn't sell it without notifying us."
Ramos's expression sharpened.
"Then you may want to call your attorney."
Daniel did.
The attorney called back twenty minutes later.
His first words were not comforting.
"Daniel, somebody filed amended trust documents using your father's signature."
"My father has been dead three years."
"I know."
May you like
The attorney paused.
"And the amendment gives Evelyn control of Owen's trust if Sarah is removed as guardian."
