Chapter 4 - Their Mother’s Death
Anna’s mother, Evelyn Harper, had died eleven months earlier.
The official cause was an accidental medication overdose.
Evelyn had been seventy, physically active, and preparing to move into a smaller house near Anna.
She had left behind a substantial life-insurance policy and a family trust containing three rental properties.
Anna and Melissa were equal beneficiaries.
At least, they were supposed to be.
Three weeks after the funeral, Dererick began managing the estate paperwork.
He said Anna was too overwhelmed.
Melissa agreed.
Together, they convinced Anna to sign several temporary authorizations.
Anna later discovered that one rental property had been sold.
The proceeds never appeared in the trust account.
When she asked questions, Dererick said grief was distorting her memory.
Soon afterward, the tea routine began.
Now Melissa stood outside the bedroom and spoke about a settlement.
Anna moved closer to the door.
“What settlement?”
Melissa stopped crying.
Dererick answered for her.
“Your mother’s insurance company challenged the claim.”
“Why?”
“Because someone reported that Evelyn’s overdose may not have been accidental.”
Anna’s breath caught.
“Who reported it?”
Neither answered.
Then Anna understood.
“You did.”
Melissa spoke quickly.
“We had to. The policy was going to pay almost three million dollars.”
“And reporting suspicion helped?”
“It created a dispute.”
“Why would you want that?”
Dererick’s calm voice returned.
“Because disputed claims can be settled privately.”
Anna looked at the black equipment bag.
“The camera was for the settlement.”
“It was for documentation.”
“Documentation of what?”
“Your condition.”
The missing pieces began connecting.
If Anna appeared mentally unstable, Melissa and Dererick could claim she was incapable of managing the trust.
If they filmed her unconscious in strange circumstances, they could manufacture evidence of medication abuse.
If they cut her clothing, positioned objects, or planted material around her, the footage could suggest self-harm or erratic behavior.
Anna looked toward the scissors.
“You were creating videos of me.”
Dererick did not deny it.
Melissa whispered from the hallway.
“The insurer wanted proof you couldn’t serve as trustee.”
Anna’s voice became cold.
“I was never the problem. You needed me removed.”
Melissa began pleading.
“We were going to make sure you were taken care of.”
“After stealing my half?”
“It wasn’t stealing.”
“Then why did you need gloves?”
No answer came.
Anna looked at the sealed packets inside the bag.
May you like
One contained strands of gray hair.
Her mother’s gray hair.
