Chapter 14 - The Lawyer’s Second Set of Papers
Dominic Hale was a private estate attorney.
He had represented Jason for five years.
Police searched his office.
They found two sets of documents.
The first named Jason as temporary trustee of Rose’s inheritance if Claire became medically incapacitated.
The second transferred control permanently after Claire’s death.
Claire’s signatures were forged.
Dominic claimed Jason provided signed originals.
Handwriting analysis disproved it.
His computer contained drafts created before Rose was born.
One email from Jason read:
She may resist discharge. Monica can handle the hospital side.
Another said:
If the medical event happens at home, I need the documents effective immediately.
Dominic replied:
Do not put this in writing.
But he never withdrew.
He arranged the funeral contractor.
He prepared the forged coroner release.
He instructed Walter Pierce to keep the coffin closed.
And he sent Jason the padded envelope found at the chapel.
Inside had been a copy of the preliminary toxicology notice.
Jason learned the coroner detected the drug before the funeral began.
That explained his terror when Walter mentioned the coroner.
He already knew the official cause-of-death story was collapsing.
Dominic was arrested.
Facing conspiracy and fraud charges, he tried to negotiate.
He offered Jason’s location.
Jason planned to cross into Canada using documents obtained under another name.
He was waiting at a private marina near Detroit.
In exchange, Dominic wanted immunity.
The prosecutor refused full immunity but offered consideration.
Dominic gave them the boat name and departure time.
Officer Shaw prepared the arrest team.
Helen asked to see Claire before burial.
Dr. Sloan arranged a private viewing after the examination was complete.
This time, the coffin was not guarded by Jason.
Helen touched her daughter’s hand.
The crescent-shaped scar was there.
“I believed you,” she whispered.
Tom stood beside her.
May you like
“We’re going to finish this.”
👉 Claire was finally returned to her family as police closed in on the husband who tried to bury her truth.
