Chapter 8 - THE REPORT THAT CALLED ME CONFUSED
The next morning a county adult-protective-services worker called. Someone had reported that I was confused, reckless near water, and unable to manage my property.
I nearly dropped the phone.
The worker, Ms. Alvarez, listened while I described the injury and the false claims. She explained that a report was not a finding and asked whether she could meet me in person.
“Of course,” I said. “Please bring a pen. I have quite a lot to show you.”
June placed the hospital discharge papers, the deed, and my correspondence in neat piles on the kitchen table.
The interview was respectful. I answered every question. Ms. Alvarez saw my medications organized, the refrigerator stocked, and my finances handled independently. She made no promise about the case, but I could see her concern shift from my competence to the timing of the allegation.
When she left, Ryan sat with his head in his hands.
“Paige told me you forgot things,” he said. “Little things. Appointments, names. I thought she was worried.”
“Did you ever ask me?”
“No.”
That single word hurt worse than I expected.
At four, an overnight courier delivered a letter from Graham's attorneys. It threatened a defamation lawsuit if I continued “maliciously circulating fabricated accusations.” It also offered to cover my medical bills if I signed a confidentiality agreement.
I read the document without speaking.
Ryan asked, “What are you going to do?”
May you like
“I'm going to keep copies.”
Then Teresa called. Someone had filed a claim against Cedar Point alleging that I had already agreed to sell it.
