Chapter 6 - The Elder Exploitation Gambit
“You’re bluffing,” Sarah’s voice hissed through the phone, though the tremor in her tone betrayed her bravado. “You wouldn’t dare drag this into court. Think about what the neighbors will say when they see your own daughter filing for conservatorship.”
“Try me,” I replied, my voice steady as stone. “My attorney has the security footage of you and Greg breaking my padlock, and Marcus already has the preliminary paperwork drafted. If you file a fraudulent exploitation claim, I will counter-sue for criminal trespass and extortion. We’ll see how a judge looks at your motel receipts versus my bank statements.”
I ended the call before she could scream another threat, tapping the screen to disconnect the line.
May you like
Marcus stayed on the other end of the open line, having heard every word. “Well handled, Clara,” he said softly. “Though I should warn you—if they do decide to file that petition with adult protective services, it will trigger an automatic preliminary investigation. Even if it’s entirely baseless, it will take a few days to clear.”
“Let them try,” I said, looking out the cottage window at the quiet street. “I have nothing to hide. But Sarah is about to find out what happens when she pushes a widow who has spent five years learning how to stand alone.”
