PART 3
Two days later, Dana and Michael arrived at family court expecting an emergency guardianship order over Mom. Dana carried a folder labeled MEDICAL HISTORY and smiled.
“You should convince her to cooperate,” she said. “This could stay private.”
Michael added, “We’re still family.”
“No,” Mom said behind me. Her wrist was casted, but her voice was steady. “Family does not hold you down while someone steals your life.”
Inside the courtroom, Dana’s attorney described Mom as delusional, violent, and financially vulnerable. He submitted statements signed by Michael and Captain Ross.
Then the judge asked whether I opposed the petition.
“I do,” I said. “And the state requests that the matter be referred for criminal investigation.”
The doors opened.
Two state investigators entered with a county prosecutor, followed by officers from a neighboring jurisdiction. Captain Ross, waiting in the hallway to testify, was arrested first. His face collapsed when an investigator displayed the evidence warrant.
Dana stood. “Uncle Robert?”
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The prosecutor played the hearing-aid recording.
Dana’s own voice filled the courtroom: “Once she’s declared incompetent, the house is ours.”
