Chapter 20 - THE PAPERS BESIDE THE CAGE
The prosecutor introduced photographs of patio chair.
Folder.
Care agreement.
Quitclaim draft.
Pen.
Defense said:
Marcus brought papers outside because argument began over them.
True.
That did not prove coercion automatically.
Then digital note:
Need control tonight.
If she signs, cancel guardianship.
If not, file after incident.
Defense argued “control” meant safety control.
Prosecutor:
“Why would signing a care agreement cancel need for guardianship if concern was dementia?”
Good question.
Then guardianship draft.
Defense expert explained adult children sometimes prepare petitions before formal diagnosis when they fear worsening function.
True.
Then prosecution:
“Does one normally prewrite an incident that has not happened?”
Expert:
“No.”
“Should a caregiver lock a competent adult in animal kennel?”
“No.”
“Spray with cold hose?”
“No.”
“Tell neighbor she is fine?”
“No.”
Enough.
Then bank officer.
HELOC.
Marcus used altered POA.
Defense said line paid some home repairs.
Yes.
Marcus made monthly payments.
Yes, from my checking.
Some of his own money? He had paid $1,800 once from wages.
Yes.
Could imply plan to repay.
Still unauthorized.
Then document expert.
Genuine signature page attached to different pages.
Not a forged signature in traditional hand.
Fraudulent instrument substitution.
Important.
Then Marcus’s browser search about guardianship.
Only relevant searches admitted.
No sensational pile.
Then prosecutor rested on financial counts later after my testimony.
I would be next.
That night I ate soup.
My hands shook so badly I spilled.
I laughed.
Sixty.
Competent.
Still nervous enough to spill soup.
May you like
Human.
The next morning I took oath.
