Chapter 5 - Victoria Says Michael Gave Permission Verbally
Victoria’s attorney arrived the next morning.
From then on, every conversation became more careful.
Victoria admitted receiving money from the home-equity line.
She claimed Michael approved it verbally.
“He wanted me taken care of.”
Mr. Hayes asked why Michael later reported the line as unauthorized.
Victoria said illness made him suspicious.
Sarah nearly exploded.
Hayes stopped her.
Emotion would not resolve signatures.
Records might.
Michael had left a handwritten notebook.
One entry was dated the day he discovered the credit line.
I NEVER AUTHORIZED THIS. V SAYS I PROMISED HER SECURITY. I PROMISED HER
A LIFE WITH ME, NOT EMMA’S HOUSE.
Sarah read the line twice.
Victoria said handwriting could be misunderstood.
Again, she was technically right.
A notebook was not magic.
Then Hayes produced a voicemail.
Michael’s voice was weak but clear.
“Victoria, do not touch the house again. Do not ask Derek to notarize
anything for me. I am changing every authorization tomorrow.”
The voicemail ended.
Nobody spoke.
Derek looked at the floor.
Victoria whispered:
“He was angry.”
Hayes replied:
“Yes.”
That anger had triggered the investigation.
And according to Michael’s files, it had also triggered something more
serious.
May you like
Two days after the voicemail, someone tried to activate the disputed
power of attorney at Michael’s brokerage account.
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