Chapter 16 - The Morning They Tried to Sell Her Home
Friday arrived with bright skies, as if the city hadn't heard what was happening.
Teresa stood before a judge with photographs, witness statements, disputed signatures, and the medical team's concerns about Sara's condition at the time of the signing. The company's lawyer called it a family quarrel. Teresa called it a contested transfer involving an elderly homeowner whose ability to consent was in serious doubt.
The court maintained a temporary restriction on the sale pending further examination. The buyer was instructed not to rely on the disputed documents while that process continued. It wasn't the complete victory I wanted, but it meant Claudia couldn't simply close the transaction that afternoon.
Outside, a man in a gray suit approached Teresa. "Your clients are damaging a legitimate business."
She didn't flinch. "Then your client should welcome verification."
Mateo wanted to argue. I put a hand on his sleeve. It was the first useful thing my anger had done all week.
We brought Sara the news at the hospital. She made us repeat it, then asked whether the courtyard would still be open for Pilar's granddaughter to ride her little bicycle.
"Yes, Abuela," I said. "For now, yes."
"That's enough for today."
We ate sandwiches at her bedside. She insisted on sharing the last orange. I peeled it the way she used to, leaving the skin in one long curling strip. She laughed when I broke it.
A phone rang. Teresa answered, listened, and moved into the corridor. When she returned, her face had changed.
"Marta hasn't arrived to give her follow-up statement. She told the investigator she was coming, but no one can reach her."
"Is she hurt?" Mateo asked.
"We don't know. Please don't go searching on your own."
At that moment my phone lit with an unknown number. The message contained a photograph of Marta's car parked on an empty street.
May you like
Beneath it were four words:
STOP ASKING OR ELSE.
