Chapter 6 - Turning the Tide
By late January, the financial consequences of Derek’s canceled trip and my ongoing resistance began to ripple back to him.
Without me to handle his administrative graphic work for his firm’s annual investor pitch, he was forced to hire an outside creative agency that quoted him $18,000 for emergency turnaround work—money he simply did not have liquid.
On a cold Tuesday morning, Sarah Jenkins sent a formal legal letter to my father and brother regarding the grandmother’s estate distribution and the outstanding $35,000 loan.
Two hours after the certified letter was delivered, my father showed up at my apartment building.
When my father stepped into my apartment, he looked noticeably older. “Jackie,” he said, his voice lacking its usual thunderous weight. “What is the meaning of this legal letter? You’re suing your own father?”
“I am requesting an accounting of my inheritance, Dad,” I said softly. “You transferred $35,000 of my share to Derek under the agreement that it was an emergency bridge loan to be repaid within two years. It has been five years.”
“We are family, Jacqueline! We don't deal with each other through lawyers!”
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“We do when family treats me like a bank and a maid,” I replied. “For ten years I have been available every time you or Derek snapped your fingers. When I said no to one vacation request, I was called crazy and selfish. Under this arrangement, I want my money back.”
My father stared at me, deflating, and left without another word.
