Chapter 5: Everything She Told Them I Was
Diane called me that afternoon.
"She contacted him," she said.
"Collier's phone records will take time to subpoena, but I have something better.
One of the county clerk's staff recognized his name on the filing and flagged it internally before we even objected.
There's already an inquiry open."
"So they were already watching."
"They were already suspicious.
Our objection confirmed it." I heard papers moving.
"I also heard from a colleague who handles property fraud cases.
She wants to speak with you.
Her name is Patricia Owens.
She works with the DA's office."
I wrote the name down.
"When?"
"Tomorrow if you're available.
I'd like to be present."
After I hung up, I sat at the kitchen table with a cup of tea that went cold before I touched it.
I kept thinking about the receipts.
Over a hundred thousand dollars.
Month after month.
I had sent that money because she told me she needed it — the roof, the medical bills, the car, the heating system.
One emergency after another, perfectly spaced, never quite large enough to make me stop and add them up.
Until now.
My phone rang.
Unknown number.
I answered.
"Is this Renee?" A man's voice.
Unhurried.
The same voice I had heard through the phone the night before.
"Who is this?"
"A friend of your mother's.
She's very upset.
She says you've been making accusations."
"I've been talking to my attorney."
"That's unfortunate." A pause.
"Your mother is an old woman.
She's made some mistakes.
There's no reason this has to go further than the family."
"It's already further than the family."
"Renee." His voice shifted — still calm, but with something underneath it now.
"You have two daughters.
Your mother has been a part of their lives.
You don't want to make this ugly."
My hand tightened on the phone.
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm suggesting that reasonable people find reasonable solutions." Another pause.
"The document can be withdrawn.
The money can be discussed.
But if you push this into a courtroom, things come out.
Things about you.
Your finances.
Your history.
Judges pay attention to the full picture."
"What things about me?"
"Your mother has kept records too," he said.
"She's told people things.
About your parenting.
About your stability.
About whether those girls are really being cared for the way they should be."
The kitchen was completely silent.
"She told people I'm an unfit mother."
"She expressed concerns.
To several people.
Over a long period of time." His voice was almost gentle now.
"I'm telling you this because I think you're a smart woman and I'd hate to see this become something that hurts your children."
I stood up from the table.
"Mr.
Collier," I said, "this call is being recorded."
Silence.
"My phone has been set to record all incoming calls since this morning.
My attorney advised it." I kept my voice level.
"You've just threatened me, referenced my children, and identified yourself as a co-conspirator in a property fraud case that is currently under active inquiry by the county clerk's office and the DA's office." I paused.
"Thank you for calling."
I ended the call and immediately forwarded the recording to Diane.
She responded in four minutes: *Perfect.
Do not call him back.
Do not call your mother.
I'll contact Patricia Owens tonight.*
I put the phone down.
My legs felt strange.
I sat back down at the table and pressed both palms flat against the wood until the shaking passed.
Then Kayla appeared in the doorway in her pajamas, even though it was only five in the afternoon.
"You okay, Mommy?"
"Come here."
She crossed the kitchen and I pulled her into my arms and held her tightly enough that she made a small surprised sound.
"I'm okay," I said into her hair.
"I promise."
She hugged me back.
After a moment she said, quietly: "Did Grandma do something really bad?"
I held her a little tighter.
"Yes."
"Are you going to fix it?"
"Yes."
She nodded against my shoulder, satisfied in the way that only children can be — completely, without needing the details.
May you like
But I needed the details.
And tomorrow, I was going to get them.
