Chapter 14 - WHAT GRANDMA KNEW
Carol’s statement took four hours.
She admitted enough to destroy the story she had told herself for years.
She knew Travis had a temper.
She knew about Cody.
She paid Cody’s mother because she believed losing his job and freedom would “ruin Travis’s life.”
She knew Erin was afraid of him.
She knew he wanted access to Ben’s money.
But every time the truth demanded action, Carol chose delay.
Family meeting.
Second chance.
Private conversation.
Anything except consequences.
“I never wanted anyone hurt,” she told Dana.
Dana didn’t blink.
“That doesn’t mean you didn’t help create the conditions for it.”
Carol cried.
For once, no one rushed to comfort her.
In another room, Erin sat beside Caleb’s crib with Mia asleep across her lap.
Leah explained what would happen next.
Protective orders.
A court hearing.
Temporary help with housing and food.
Counseling for Mia.
“Are they going to take my children?” Erin asked.
“No.”
Erin looked shocked.
“I failed them.”
“You were abducted.”
“Before that. I let Travis stay.”
“You made a bad decision because you were pressured and grieving. That’s different from choosing to harm them.”
Erin looked at Mia.
“She thinks she has to save everyone.”
“Then the adults around her have to prove she doesn’t.”
Erin wiped her face.
A nurse entered carrying a clear evidence envelope.
“This was found in the pocket of the coat Erin arrived in.”
Inside was a folded document.
The power of attorney Travis had tried to force her to sign.
Unsigned.
But another page was attached.
A notarized transfer request for $86,000 from the children’s trust.
The signature read ERIN BENNETT.
Erin stared at it.
“That’s not mine.”
Dana examined the notary stamp.
Then she looked toward the hallway.
May you like
“Carol,” she said.
Because the notary was Carol Bennett’s longtime friend.
