“You manipulated her.”
“The witnesses were a pastor and a lawyer.”
“She loved me.”
“She did.”
“Then why give it to you?”
Clara’s voice softened. “Because she knew what you would do with it.”
Evelyn’s eyes filled. “You think you are better than me.”
“No.”
“You have always thought that.”
“No,” Clara repeated. “I have always thought you were capable of better.”
For several seconds, Evelyn seemed unable to breathe.
Then the front door opened.
Cold air rushed through the foyer. A man in a navy coat stepped inside, followed by a woman carrying a leather folder.
Brooke turned. “Who are they?”
Clara’s shoulders lowered slightly.
“This is Mr. Avery, my attorney. The woman with him is Detective Morales.”
Evelyn’s face went white.
Daniel rose at once. “You called the police?”
“I called Detective Morales this afternoon,” Clara said.
“Why?” Brooke asked.
Clara looked at the keys on the floor.
“Because this was not the first time your mother tried to force me out.”
Mr. Avery removed his gloves. “Mrs. Hart, Detective Morales has a warrant for the records connected to the estate account.”
Evelyn backed toward the table. “This is absurd.”
Detective Morales spoke calmly. “We also need to discuss the forged power of attorney submitted to the bank last month.”
Brooke turned toward Evelyn.
Evelyn looked at Daniel.
Daniel’s face had gone gray.
Brooke saw the exchange. Something inside her seemed to settle into place.
“You knew,” she said.
Daniel did not answer.
“You knew about the power of attorney.”
“I knew she was trying to refinance the house.”
“You signed something.”
“It was only an application.”
“You signed as a witness.”
“I thought your mother had authority.”
“Her mother?” Brooke asked.
Daniel looked at Clara. “Evelyn told me the deed had already been transferred.”
Clara held his gaze. “You saw the document.”
