Chapter 4 - Their European Christmas
Richard’s trip was not merely a vacation.
Avery discovered that he used Theodore’s accounts to pay for the flights, luxury hotels, and private tour package.
Elaine described the expense as a family wellness trip for Theodore’s benefit, although Theodore remained in Connecticut.
Caleb’s purchases were included too.
Designer clothes.
A new watch.
Thousands charged through a card connected to Theodore’s trust.
Theodore’s retirement income had been supporting the household for years.
Richard’s company appeared successful from the outside, but business records showed repeated cash shortages.
Whenever Richard needed money, he transferred it from his father and recorded the payment as reimbursement for care.
Elaine submitted invoices for home nursing services she never provided.
They also refinanced part of Theodore’s investment property using a power of attorney he said he had revoked.
Avery examined the signatures.
Some were copied.
Others had been produced electronically.
One document transferred the Connecticut mansion to Richard for one dollar while granting Theodore a temporary right to live there.
“They planned to own the house before I died,” Theodore said.
“They already think they do.”
Avery looked around the office.
“They left you here alone.”
“No. They left me with you.”
He smiled faintly.
“That was careless.”
Avery used her professional experience to create a transaction timeline. She separated legitimate expenses from suspicious withdrawals and saved copies outside the house.
They were not stealing files.
They were preserving records Theodore legally owned.
The family’s holiday photographs began appearing online.
Richard stood beneath the Eiffel Tower.
Elaine held champagne near a luxury hotel window.
Caleb posed beside shopping bags.
Under one picture, Elaine wrote:
Making memories with the people who matter most.
Avery showed Theodore.
May you like
He read the caption twice.
Then he said, “Schedule the lawyer.”
