They had apparently fabricated much of the paperwork.
“Looks organized,” I said.
Chloe smiled.
“We’ve handled everything.”
“Yes,” I replied softly.
“You certainly have.”
At 9:30 that morning, two unmarked vehicles pulled into the driveway.
Julian frowned through the window.
“Who’s that?”
Then came a firm knock at the door.
“State authorities and Adult Protective Services. Please open the door.”
Chloe’s expression changed instantly.
Julian looked toward me.
“What did you do?”
I remained seated.
“I contacted the appropriate authorities.”
His face went pale.
“Judge Thorne authorized an emergency protection order and a search warrant this morning.”
Several investigators entered the house, accompanied by social workers and a financial specialist.
Chloe immediately began protesting.
“This is a private family matter! His daughter is only doing this because she wants his money!”
One investigator calmly instructed the social workers to check on Dad upstairs.
Julian stepped forward.
“I have power of attorney!”
I stood.
“You have paperwork that appears to have been falsified.”
He stared at me.
“The notary listed on your document was no longer alive when it was supposedly signed.”
Chloe stopped talking.
“And the medical declaration contains information that doesn’t match the physician you claimed evaluated Dad.”
Julian looked at me as though he were seeing me for the first time.
“Elena, we’re family.”
I met his eyes.
“Family doesn’t pressure an elderly parent into giving up control of his finances.”
Chloe shook her head quickly.
“He’s confused! He misunderstands things!”
“I documented his statement last night.”
Her expression changed.
“And investigators already have the financial records.”
The lead investigator nodded.
