At breakfast time, I once again became the guilty and overwhelmed younger sister.
I walked into the kitchen wearing an old sweater and my hair tied up in a sloppy bun.
Ryan was sitting at the table drinking coffee while Jessica cut a grapefruit.
—You look exhausted —Jessica said with a cruel smile—. Now you understand what we have to endure every day.
I looked down.
—You were right —I whispered—. I can’t handle this. I’ll leave this afternoon.
My mother looked up from her bowl of oatmeal.
The terror and disappointment in his eyes were about to tear me apart.
But I still couldn’t explain it to him.
Not while Ryan and Jessica were watching.
Ryan leaned back in the chair, clearly satisfied.
—It’s probably for the best —he said—. You have your important career. We have everything under control here.
—I know —I replied—. Before I go, could you review the documents one more time? I just want to make sure mom will be financially protected.
Jessica rolled her eyes and placed a thick black folder in front of me.
They were so sure of themselves that they practically gave me the evidence with their own hands.
Inside was a power of attorney that gave Ryan complete control over my mother’s property, bank accounts, and medical decisions.
There was also a letter from a doctor stating that she suffered from advanced dementia.
And finally, a new testament that left everything to Ryan.
—You will receive nothing —he said proudly—. The house, the savings, the investments… everything belongs to me now.
I carefully examined the documents.
The doctor’s license number was fake.
The notary whose seal appeared on the papers had died almost a year earlier.
The signatures had been forged.
I closed the folder.
—You won —I said quietly.
Jessica smiled.
—Next month this house will be transferred to a company that I control —he whispered—. We will send your mother to a cheap and distant asylum. Then, we will finally have peace.
I looked her straight in the eyes.
—I understand.
A few minutes later, they left for the bank to make another transfer.
As soon as his car disappeared down the road, I ran up the stairs.
—Mom, we’re leaving.
She tightened the blanket around his body.
—No. Ryan will find me. He’ll lock me in the basement again.
I took his hands in mine.
—Listen to me. I’m not just a government employee. I am deputy attorney general. I am dedicated to prosecuting people who steal and mistreat vulnerable adults.
