Chapter 7 - The Story Claudia Told the Police
Claudia filed her complaint the next morning. She claimed I'd stormed into the hospital, threatened her in uniform, and frightened Sara so badly she could no longer make decisions. Her lawyer demanded that I stay away from my grandmother.
"She's trying to turn your intervention into evidence of instability," Teresa said over the phone. "Don't give her another incident to describe."
I called my commanding officer, Captain Serrano, and told him the truth before rumors reached him. He listened without interrupting.
"Your uniform doesn't make you a judge, Sergeant," he said. "You're on authorized leave. Protect your family lawfully, document everything, and keep me informed."
"Yes, sir."
It felt strange to need a reminder that anger wasn't permission. I hadn't expected coming home to mean learning how not to explode.
At the station, I made a formal statement. Julia's report supported my account of the locked door and Sara's distress. Pilar and Inés agreed to be interviewed separately. Teresa began an urgent application to prevent the transfer of the house while the documents were examined.
Mateo called Claudia. I was there when he put the phone on speaker.
"Why did you tell me Abuela had the flu?"
"Because she is sick, Mateo. Your brother is using it against me."
"Did you make her sign away the house?"
"I kept that house from swallowing our savings. You should be thanking me."
"Answer me."
Her voice hardened. "You signed too. Remember that when the police ask questions."
The call ended. Mateo looked physically ill.
An hour later a courier delivered a letter to the lawyer's office. Inside was a copy of a statement supposedly written by Sara, accusing me of trying to steal her pension.
May you like
The handwriting looked painfully familiar.
At the bottom, though, was a date when Sara had been unconscious in the hospital.
