Chapter 11 - The Last Favor —
Ethan came to Julia’s office the next morning with his attorney.
I agreed to meet because Julia said there might be a practical proposal.
There was.
It just wasn’t the one I expected.
“We want to resolve the disputed funds,” his attorney began.
“Then return them,” Julia said.
“The company lacks immediate liquidity.”
Ethan leaned forward.
“If you give us sixty days, we can sell two properties.”
“And the false documents?”
His lawyer shifted.
“We’d prefer to keep this discussion focused on civil resolution.”
I looked directly at Ethan.
“Did you verify the bank request?”
He glanced at his attorney.
The attorney said, “You don’t have to answer.”
For a moment, I thought he wouldn’t.
Then Ethan nodded.
“Mom said you had agreed.”
“Did you ask me?”
“No.”
“Because you knew the answer.”
He looked down.
His lawyer ended that line of discussion and offered a repayment agreement secured by company assets.
Julia said we would review actual financial statements, existing liens, and independent valuations.
Not promises.
Not family assurances.
Documents.
Ethan waited until the attorneys paused.
“I never wanted to hurt you.”
I almost laughed, but there was no humor left.
“You wanted things that hurt me. You kept choosing them.”
His eyes reddened.
“I was scared.”
“So was I. I still didn’t forge your name.”
He flinched.
After the meeting, he followed me into the hall, stopping several feet away.
“Do you remember the lake house?”
Of course I did.
Our second anniversary. Burnt pancakes. Rain on the roof. The last vacation before his company became the excuse for everything.
“Please don’t use a good memory to ask me for another bad decision.”
He pressed his lips together.
Then he said, “Mom kept a folder on you.”
I went still.
“What kind of folder?”
“Financial records. Copies of your ID. Signature samples.”
“Where?”
“Her bedroom safe.”
“Tell your attorney.”
“I am telling you.”
“No. You’re warning me in a hallway so you can pretend you helped. Tell someone who can put it on the record.”
He stared at me.
I walked away.
That evening, Julia called.
“His attorney contacted us.”
“About the safe?”
“Yes.”
I closed my eyes.
May you like
“And one more thing. Margaret has hired separate counsel.”
—
