Part 2
Once we arrived at the police station, a heated blanket was placed around Lily within moments of our entering the building, with a young officer providing me with a cup of tea as I shivered uncontrollably and had to hold it with both hands to prevent spilling it due to my hands shaking too much.
My grandpa sat silently next to me, with his cane resting across his knees.
He then placed a leather folder onto the countertop in front of us.”The initial report from my grandfather states that my granddaughter has been the victim of financial mistreatment, has had no access to property purchased in her name, and may have been the victim of fraud regarding her inheritance from a trust,” he spoke with restraint and calmness. “I want to see a report by end of night.”
The officer looked at me as if to say, “Ma’am, are you able to provide evidence?”
Grandfather gave him an unpleasant look.
“I own the bank,”
Thirty minutes later, an investigator showed up, and about forty minutes later, grandfather’s attorney joined us via video call. An hour after that, the investigator had a large screen filled with statements from various banks.
The officer moved closer to the screen.
One bank account had the name of my granddaughter on it, and I had never even heard of this account before today.
In the last month deposits into this account totaled $20,000.
Deposits for medical expenses.
Housing assistance payments.
Automobile insurance payments.
Child care trust fund payments.
These payments were made by my grandfather.
Every dollar was taken out of the account.
None of those dollars were taken out by my granddaughter.
They were taken out by her mother, father, and Vanessa.
The investigator’s face became serious and stern. “How many years have you been taking advantage of her?”
Grandfather’s attorney answered in a soft voice, “Three years.”
The air left my lungs. I can’t even begin to explain how I felt in those moments.
For the last three years, I had been made to believe I was selfish, lazy, costly, and unappreciative.
For the last three years, I have missed doctor’s appointments because my mom told me my insurance expired and I could no longer afford it.
For the last three years, I have seen Vanessa post photographs from luxury resorts while I have eaten instant ramen and apologized for needing prenatal vitamins.
The investigator clicked open a different form.
There was my signature on a certificate of debt.
I have never signed that certificate of debt.
Then grandfather turned to me. “Claire, did you know a second mortgage against the condo I purchased for you was ever done?”
I was at a loss for words, “What condo?”
You could have heard a pin drop in that room.
Even the officer stopped typing.After Grandpa had closed his eyes, he opened them again and his eyes were like steel.
“That condo is in your name. You bought it outright. Your parents told me that you are currently living there.”
I let out a laugh, a broken laugh, a hollow laugh. “I’ve been sleeping in the old storage room of Vanessa.”
The detective muttered to himself, “Oh my God.”
Grandpa immediately stood up. “I want to pursue Warrants! Fraud. Forgery. Identity Theft. Child Endangerment. Theft of Property. Any Lawsuit Allowed by Law.”
His lawyer nodded at the camera. “Emergency Civil Filings are being drawn up right now. The accounts will be frozen in the morning.”
It was at that moment my mother called.
When my mother called, she called to tell him her name was on his phone.
He answered the call on the speakerphone.
“Dad,” she said sweetly. “Where are you? Claire took off with the baby. She is unstable.”
Grandpa did not stop staring at me.
“Oh, really?” he said.
“Yes, we are afraid that she might try to manipulate you. She is always dramatic.”
In the background, Vanessa’s voice could be heard saying, “Tell him that she also took my coat.”
I looked down at the coat I was wearing.
My coat.
Grandpa’s voice was still dangerously quiet.
“Come to the station.”
My mother’s reply was a question and a hesitation. “Station?”
“Yes,” Grandpa said evenly, “Bring the Mercedes.”