Chapter 7 - THE TRUST
The trust attorney arrived forty minutes later.
When Daniel showed her the withdrawal forms, she went pale.
"These should never have cleared."
"Why did they?"
"Because someone submitted a temporary incapacity affidavit in your name."
Daniel stared. "What?"
Rebecca opened her laptop.
The affidavit claimed Daniel had been experiencing "episodes of impaired judgment" following grief and work stress. It temporarily delegated limited trust authority to Claire as his spouse.
Attached was a physician's letter.
"I've never seen this doctor," Daniel said.
Rebecca scrolled farther.
"There's more."
A petition had been drafted - not filed yet - requesting that Ethan be evaluated for a residential behavioral program.
Daniel read the institution name.
Pine Ridge Youth Wellness Center.
Rebecca's voice sharpened. "It isn't a summer camp. And look here."
The draft petition described Ethan as violent, unstable, and prone to dangerous elopement.
Tonight's incident would have supported every claim.
A child who "ran" into a storm.
A horse accident.
A grieving father who supposedly could not manage him.
A stepmother who had already positioned herself as the only responsible adult.
Daniel felt sick.
"She was building a case to take control of him."
"And the trust," Rebecca said.
Harris checked his phone. "We froze the remaining accounts."
Then Harris's phone rang.
He answered, listened, and stood.
"We have a problem."
"What?"
"Claire made bail."
Daniel's head snapped up.
"How?"
Daniel was already reaching for his phone.
"Then we're going home."
Harris shook his head.
"No, Mr. Mercer. You're not."
"Why?"
"Because your house alarm was just triggered."
Daniel stared at him.
Harris turned the phone around.
The security alert showed one door open.
May you like
ETHAN'S BEDROOM WINDOW.
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