Chapter 9 - Family Money
Dad's adviser was named Martin Cole.
He had managed my parents' retirement accounts for twelve years.
He also handled parts of Grandma Ruth's estate.
When we confronted Dad, he swore he knew nothing about Martin helping Lauren.
"He's been advising her because she's in debt," Dad admitted.
"What kind of debt?" James asked.
Dad rubbed both hands over his face.
"Credit cards. Personal loans. Some bad investments. Maybe two hundred thousand."
I stared at him. "And nobody thought that mattered when she was trying to become my child's guardian?"
Mom started crying again.
Dad snapped, "We were trying to keep the family together."
"By handing her my daughter?"
"Nobody handed her anything."
James placed the forged military letter on the table.
"Then explain this."
Dad looked at it and went quiet.
Mom suddenly whispered, "Martin brought those papers."
Everyone turned.
"What?"
"He came here with Lauren. He said the trust needed a responsible adult involved because Rachel was overwhelmed and James could be deployed again."
Dad stared at her. "You never told me Martin was here."
"You were golfing."
James looked at me.
This was bigger than Lauren's jealousy.
Martin had access to financial documents, trust details, and family records.
Then Dad's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
Martin.
James held out his hand. "Answer it. Put it on speaker."
Dad did.
Martin didn't say hello.
"Did Rachel find out about the petition?"
Nobody moved.
Dad swallowed. "Why would you ask me that?"
May you like
A pause.
Then Martin said, "Because Lauren just disappeared, and the trust file is gone."
