Chapter 4 - The Legal Wall
I downloaded the video file directly to my local drive and emailed a copy to my late husband’s former attorney, Marcus Sterling, who had helped me draft the property deeds after my mother passed.
It didn't take long for Marcus to respond. Within an hour, his office number flashed on my screen.
“Clara, I watched the footage,” Marcus said, his voice grave and professional. “Placing an unauthorized lock on a property you hold exclusive title to, combined with trespassing and breaking and entering, crosses the line from a family dispute straight into criminal mischief.”
“I don't want to throw my daughter in jail, Marcus,” I admitted, a heavy ache settling in my ribs. “I just want her to understand that she cannot bully her way into my life or my home.”
“I understand completely,” Marcus replied gently. “But if you don't establish a firm legal boundary now—complete with a formal cease-and-desist and a no-trespassing order served by a sheriff’s deputy—they are going to escalate. People backed into a corner by their own financial failures become desperate.”
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As if on cue, my call-waiting beeped. I glanced at the screen. It was an unknown mobile number, but the area code matched the cheap motel on the highway where Sarah and Greg had been staying.
“Marcus, hold on one second,” I said, clicking over to the incoming call. “Hello?”
