Chapter 4 - REBECCA SLOANMy attorney’s name was Rebecca Sloan.
Forty-seven.
Family law.
Trust disputes.
The emotional warmth of a parking meter.
Perfect.
I put the documents on her desk.
“The house is protected.”
“Yes.”
“So the loan can’t happen?”
“Not lawfully without valid trust authorization.”
“My signature is forged.”
“Likely.”
“It is.”
“Claire.”
I knew.
Evidence.
Not anger.
“Fine. I did not sign it.”
“Better.”
She examined the loan packet.
“Who benefits?”
“Ryan.”
“How?”
The borrower entity was:
Bennett Property Ventures LLC.
Ryan owned eighty percent.
Linda owned twenty.
I had never heard of it.
Loan purpose:
Residential redevelopment investment.
“What redevelopment?”
Rebecca asked.
“No idea.”
“Do you know your husband has an LLC?”
“No.”
She looked at me.
“That sentence will become common.”
I hated her.
Then:
“Where is Ethan?”
“With my friend Marissa.”
“Good.”
“Can Ryan take him?”
“Both of you currently have parental rights.”
My stomach dropped.
“You need immediate temporary orders if you believe Ethan is unsafe around Linda or Ryan facilitates unsafe contact.”
“He defended her.”
“That matters.”
“He gave her Ethan’s room.”
“That matters less legally than the slap, but more narratively than he’ll enjoy.”
“And what I did?”
Rebecca looked straight at me.
“You assaulted Linda.”
“I know.”
“You also retaliated with clippers.”
“I know.”
“That will be used.”
“I know.”
May you like
“Then we do not pretend otherwise.”
Good.
