Chapter 14 - THE FIRST TIME MOM HELPED FORGE
Diane finally admitted receiving verification codes.
“Your father was busy.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
“Ashley would send the request.”
“And?”
“I gave her the code.”
“Why?”
“Because George had already approved the transfer.”
“He approved believing I signed.”
Mom looked away.
“Sometimes.”
“Sometimes?”
“She said you agreed verbally.”
“And you believed her?”
Mom began crying.
“I believed you would agree.”
Future consent.
The family’s favorite imaginary asset.
“What about the signature file?”
“I sent Ashley the old form once.”
“When?”
“Two years ago.”
“Why?”
“She needed to show the school you were family sponsor.”
“You knew she was using my signature?”
“She told me it was administrative.”
I stared.
“Mom.”
“I didn’t think of it as forgery.”
“What did you think?”
She whispered:
“Shortcut.”
That word became evidence later.
May you like
Not because bad judgment automatically equals criminal intent.
Because “shortcut” meant she knew the real signature process was not being followed.
