Vanessa looked between us.
“”Why is the attorney involved?””
Robert placed his briefcase on the hood of his car and removed several documents.
“”Because your attempt to sell this property without the owner’s authorization has become a legal matter.””
Michael’s expression changed.
“”What are you talking about?””
Robert handed him a copy of the official notice.
“”This property belongs exclusively to your mother. The real estate agency has been informed that the listing is unauthorized. The proposed transaction cannot proceed.””
Vanessa snatched the document.
“”That’s impossible.””
Robert remained calm.
“”It isn’t.””
Michael looked at me.
“”Mom, what did you do?””
I almost laughed.
What had I done?
I had protected the home I owned.
I had refused to let my own child steal it.
Robert opened another folder.
“”There is also the matter of the power-of-attorney document submitted to the agency.””
Michael went pale.
Robert continued.
“”The signature has been disputed, and the document has been referred for further examination. We have preserved the original records and all related correspondence.””
Vanessa’s confidence disappeared.
“”You’re threatening us?””
“”No,”” Robert replied. “”I’m explaining the legal consequences of submitting unauthorized documents.””
Michael stepped closer.
“”Mom, tell him to stop.””
I looked at my son.
For a moment, I saw the six-year-old boy who used to run down this same lawn with a fishing rod almost as tall as he was.
