Chapter 4 - THE LICENSE COPY
Clara’s driver’s license had been renewed eight months earlier.
She had scanned the temporary paperwork at home because their mortgage servicer requested updated identification during an escrow review.
One copy went into a family document folder inside the locked cabinet in Julian’s home office.
Julian had the key.
So did Clara.
Nobody else should have.
The loan application contained a clean image of that license.
It also contained:
Clara’s correct Social Security number.
Her exact salary.
Her employment start date.
Mortgage balance within $200.
Mother’s maiden name.
And a photograph of a recent pay stub.
Julian knew some of those things.
Not all.
But he had access to their tax return.
That was enough.
The lender representative continued.
“The contact phone number on the application does not match the number we have associated with you through the credit file.”
“What number is it?”
They could not give her everything immediately.
Fraud process.
But they confirmed the area code.
Same as Chloe’s.
Clara closed her eyes.
Then asked where the proceeds were supposed to go if approved.
The representative hesitated.
“Disbursement instructions list an external business checking account.”
Clara already knew.
“Name?”
Again, restrictions.
But the fraud representative confirmed it was not Clara’s account.
Later documentation would reveal:
CHLOE WHITMORE / MINT HOUSE BEAUTY LLC
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The loan was not some spontaneous favor Julian dreamed up.
Chloe was built into the application.
