Chapter 5: Grandma's Final Instructions

Martin Wells placed the second document in front of me.

I stared at it, trying to make sense of the heading.

*EVELYN CARTER FAMILY TRUST — BENEFICIARY PROTECTION PROVISION.*

The words looked ordinary.

The signature at the bottom did not.

I recognized Grandma's handwriting immediately. Her capital E always leaned slightly to the left, and she drew a small loop beneath the final r in Carter.

My throat tightened.

"Is that her signature?""

"Yes," Martin said.

"The original is held in our records, and this is a verified copy.""

I traced the signature with my eyes.

For a moment, I could almost hear Grandma's voice.

For the girl who will go places.

Mrs. Bennett rested a hand on my shoulder.

Martin turned the document toward himself.

"Your grandmother established the trust to support your medical needs and education. She also included instructions for what should happen if the person managing the money failed to protect your interests.""

"Who was managing it?""

"Your father was the original trustee.""

I nodded.

"That's what he told me.""

"Under the agreement, he was responsible for managing the funds according to its terms. He wasn't permitted to treat the account as his own property.""

I swallowed.

"Then the money he used for the car...""

"Would require a valid basis under the trust terms. A payment made for someone else's personal benefit would be difficult to justify.""

I stared at the page.

"Can he put the money back?""

"Potentially. But we need to establish exactly what happened, how much was withdrawn, and whether any funds remain recoverable.""

"How long will that take?""

Martin glanced at Mrs. Bennett before answering.

"I don't want to promise you a timeline I can't guarantee. However, we can take steps to protect the remaining assets and determine what options are available for your medical care.""

My shoulders loosened slightly.

"What happens to Dad?""

"That depends on the evidence and the applicable law. Our first responsibility is to protect your interests and establish the facts.""

I nodded.

Then I asked the question that had been sitting inside me since the moment I opened the bank statement.

"Why did Grandma think someone might misuse the money?""

Martin folded his hands.

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