David Morrison entered first, carrying a thick folder.
Behind him: Detective Megan Walsh, fraud division, and Officers Harper and Johnson.
The color drained from Julia’s face.
David spoke first.
“I’m the trustee of the Clare Thompson Trust. This property is still under the trust. None of these documents are valid.”
Detective Walsh stepped forward.
“Mr. Blackwood, or should I say Gary Stevens, you are under arrest for practicing law without a license and for document forgery.”
“I—I didn’t know,” Gary stammered.
“We’ve been monitoring you for months,” Walsh said. “You used stolen templates and fake notary seals. We matched the printer to your apartment.”
Julia’s voice shook. “Wait — what’s happening?”
“We also have audio from your Wednesday visit,” Walsh said. “Clare recorded everything. Including your confession to participating in a fraudulent property transfer.”
“You recorded us?” Mom said, stunned.
“My house. My right,” I said calmly.
“You little snake,” Julia snapped.
“That’s rich, coming from the woman who tried to steal my home.”
The officers handcuffed Gary first.
Julia broke down. “Clare, please! I didn’t know it was fake!”
“You knew,” I replied.
“But I needed the house!”
“Then you should’ve gotten a job, Julia.”
“You’re my sister!” Mom wailed.
“And you tried to throw me out on the street.”
As Dad was being cuffed, he mumbled, “You’re tearing this family apart.”
I looked him square in the eye.
“No. You did that when you chose greed over your own daughter.”
