I closed my eyes.
They had counted on me reacting emotionally.
And perhaps, for one terrible moment, I'd done exactly what they wanted.
***
I called an independent attorney that afternoon.
Her name was Helen Brooks.
She specialized in complex property disputes.
I explained everything.
The assault.
The attempted loans.
The forged signatures.
The missing company funds.
The River Oaks sale.
She listened carefully.
Then said, "Gloria, we need to review the closing documents and any conflicts of interest. Don't assume the sale can simply be undone, but we should investigate whether material facts were concealed."
I nodded.
"And Daniel?"
"Don't give him further instructions until we understand his involvement."
For the first time in weeks, I felt I had someone advising me without an obvious connection to my son or my company.
Helen began reviewing the transactions with an independent forensic accountant.
She also helped coordinate with the investigators.
I went home and locked the door.
