Chapter 5 - THE GUARDIANSHIP DRAFT
I said no.
That was true.
Then Rebecca showed me a document that had not come from the trust.
It came from a law firm.
Draft Petition for Appointment of Standby Guardian.
Petitioner:
Linda Foster.
Supporting family member:
Natalie Brooks.
Minor:
Sophie Foster.
Mother:
Megan Foster.
Status:
Not filed.
Yet.
I read the first paragraph.
My ears began ringing.
Megan’s demanding hospital career regularly prevents her from maintaining consistent supervision.
False.
I worked full-time.
So did millions of parents.
Megan relies extensively upon Linda and Natalie for food, housing, transportation, and behavioral structure.
False.
Megan has demonstrated difficulty establishing appropriate boundaries and expectations.
What?
Minor Sophie frequently resists reasonable household responsibilities and has exhibited escalating defiance.
There it was.
Chores.
The document was dated six weeks before Sophie went missing.
I kept reading.
Linda has increasingly become the child’s stable family home.
I looked at Rebecca.
“Sophie does not live there.”
“We know what you’re telling us.”
“You don’t believe me?”
“I believe evidence.”
I swallowed my anger.
Good.
Evidence.
“What do you need?”
“School records.”
“Fine.”
“Medical address.”
“Fine.”
“Your mortgage or lease.”
“Fine.”
“Calendar.”
“Fine.”
“Location records if available.”
“Fine.”
“And we need to preserve the portal data.”
My phone vibrated.
Natalie.
I stared at the name.
Rebecca noticed.
“Don’t confront anyone yet.”
I laughed.
“My daughter disappeared yesterday.”
“Child safety issue is separate. You can address that through the investigator.”
“They forged my signature.”
“If confirmed.”
“Rebecca.”
She did not flinch.
“Confirmed carefully is stronger than furious accurately.”
May you like
I hated her.
Then hired her.
